News

Caution urged amid South Dakota flood risks

Rising waters in western South Dakota are posing flooding concerns but that risk is spreading to the eastern half of the state.  The rising waters of the Big Sioux and James Rivers are of the most concern – according to the state Cooperative Extension Service – because of  “the extensive snow packs that remain in their basins.”  The extension says temperatures have not risen in northeastern South Dakota which in some places has more than 20 inches of snow still on the ground that will eventually melt.

The extension says people should be making preparations immediately for flooding.  Data collection stations have recorded snowfall totals that are in the top 10 highest totals on record. 

Flood risks for all areas can be accessed on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood-management website at www.flood smart. com.