National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heat Wave Expands to the East Coast; Flash Flooding Likely in the Central Plains into the Midwest; Severe Thunderstorms in the Northeast

Dangerous, prolonged heat is ongoing in the Mid-South to Mid-Mississippi Valley and heat expands into the Northeast for a brief period today. Widely scattered instances of flash flooding due to heavy rains are forecast from northeast Kansas to much of Indiana. Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across parts of New England, northern Mid-Atlantic, and North Dakota. Read More >

(As of March 19th, 2010): Elevated river levels are expected to persist throughout much of eastern and northeastern South Dakota and west-central Minnesota.  The James and Elm Rivers continue to experience moderate to major flooding, with the Big Sioux and Little Minnesota Rivers seeing minor to moderate flood levels.  Several tributaries of the main stem rivers remain above flood stage as well -- with additional rises in river levels expected.  Rapid ice jam flooding will continue to be a significant threat through at least the upcoming weekend as well.     

In addition to the river flooding, widespread areal or overland flooding is also ongoing.  Sloughs, ponds, lakes, and other low lying areas will continue to experience water rises with flooding of secondary and county roads imminent. 

Please monitor the following links for the latest information on river levels and expected crests:

 


 

James and Elm Rivers: 

   

Elm River - 12 Miles West of Frederick (3/15/10)

 

 


 

  

Elm River - 1 Mile North of Westport (3/17/10)

 

James River - North of Columbia (3/17/10)

 

James River - Tacoma Park (3/17/10)

 

James River - at Ashton (Top) and at Redfield (Bottom) - (3/18/10)

 


 

 Whetstone River - US Highway 12 near Big Stone City

 

 

Ice Jam at Snake Creek - 3 Miles North of Redfield (3/18/10)

 

 

 

Turtle Creek at Redfield (3/18/10)