Torrential rains across the Upper Midwest caused rivers across the region to overflow. Several counties in northwest Iowa, southwestern Minnesota and southeastern South Dakota experienced rainfall from 5 to 8 inches, with select areas getting as much as 15 inches. Many of these areas were already saturated from persistent rainfall.

The forecast contains the probability of more rain. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds declared a state disaster for 22 counties and requested an expedited presidential disaster declaration. That would allow access to FEMA, Small Business Administration and USDA programs. The impact has been widespread, with resident evacuations occurring in many rural towns. Several roads in the region have been closed. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has deployed the Minnesota National Guard to Waterville, Minnesota, to help with flooding on the Cannon River. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen ordered National Guard helicopters to help with Iowa rescues.

Communities south of the impacted areas are bracing for flooding as rivers continue to rise.

Read more on the flooding in the Upper Midwest here.