Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa reported significant flooding in northwest Iowa, impacting nearly 1,900 properties with hundreds left destroyed after heavy rainfall battered the region, she announced during a press briefing on Sunday.


According to Reynolds, the torrential rain beginning Friday led to some areas receiving up to 15 inches, causing severe flooding that surpassed records set during the historic floods of 1993. Rivers surged several feet above previous levels, with 16 flood gauges registering unprecedented heights.


Emergency responders conducted 250 water rescues on Saturday alone, and more than 1,000 residents required overnight shelter due to the rising waters. The Department of Natural Resources reported disruptions to 10 water systems and 21 wastewater systems by Saturday night.


Governor Reynolds, who surveyed the devastation from the air, described the damage as extensive and widespread across the affected areas. An initial disaster proclamation was issued for Sioux County, with the Iowa National Guard deploying helicopters for rescue operations. Urban Search and Rescue teams were also mobilized to assist in water rescues.


On Sunday, Reynolds submitted a request for an expedited Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to secure additional federal assistance for nine counties, seeking public assistance for 22 counties overall.


John Benson, Iowa's Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, emphasized ongoing efforts to manage the crisis, noting the forecast predicts more rain in the coming week. Rising river gauges along the Missouri River pose additional threats, potentially prolonging the flooding impacts.


The National Weather Service issued hazardous weather outlooks for multiple states beyond Iowa, including parts of Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota, where streams, creeks, and rivers remain in moderate to major flood stages, resulting in continued road closures.