National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Storm Impacting the Northwest U.S.; Fire Weather Conditions in Southern California; Severe Weather in the South

A Pacific storm is bringing areas of low elevation rain, moderate to heavy mountain snow, and high winds to the Northwest. Strong Santa Ana winds and very dry conditions are producing elevated to critical fire weather conditions in southern California. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible through early Wednesday morning across parts of northeast Texas into western Tennessee. Read More >

Overview

Slow moving, repeat thunderstorms produced widespread heavy rainfall across portions of southeast South Dakota into southwest Minnesota the evening of Wednesday, September 11th into the early morning hours of Thursday, September 12th. Rainfall amounts across a large area ranged from 3 to 8 inches. Looking at the 48 hour rainfall totals from late Tuesday September 10th through the morning of Thursday, September 12th, a band of extreme rainfall fell from Mitchell, SD to Madison, SD to Slayton, MN, where 6 to 12 inches accumulated. 

This rainfall resulted in significant flash flooding, requiring evacuations in some communities and many water rescues. As the water moved into the river system, major to record flooding occurred at numerous locations. Many structures were inundated with water. In addition, damage to area roads was significant and widespread. Of note, Interstate 90 from Sioux Falls to Mitchell, SD was closed for an extended period due to flooding. 

Updates will be posted as additional information becomes available. 

Image
48 Hour Rainfall Ending September 12, 2019
nws logo Media use of NWS Web News Stories is encouraged!
Please acknowledge the NWS as the source of any news information accessed from this site.
nws logo