Over the weekend, severe weather conditions have wreaked havoc in various parts of the United States, leaving communities grappling with the aftermath of flooding and extreme heat.
In Rock Valley, Iowa, a small town with a population of 4,200, residents were forced to evacuate their homes as the Rock River overflowed due to weeks of relentless rain. The situation became dire as the city's wells became unusable, leaving residents without running water. National Guard helicopters were dispatched to rescue individuals stranded on rooftops or upper floors of flooded homes.
Governor Kim Reynolds declared a disaster for Sioux County, encompassing Rock Valley, as the region struggled to cope with the extensive flooding. Drone footage revealed a landscape submerged in water, with no visible streets, only rooftops and tree canopies peeking above the floodwaters.
Meanwhile, a sweltering heatwave gripped a significant portion of the country, with approximately 15 million people under a heat warning and an additional 90 million under a heat advisory. Major cities such as Washington, D.C., Richmond, Virginia, Philadelphia, and Detroit braced for scorching temperatures nearing or exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
In New York state, heat-related hospital visits surged to 500% above the average for June, underscoring the health risks posed by the prolonged heatwave. Meteorologists warned that above-normal temperatures would persist across much of the country, with only slight relief expected in the eastern U.S. by early next week.
In southeastern Michigan, power outages affected thousands of residents, with DTE Energy working to restore electricity to 8,300 customers following storm-related disruptions. Meanwhile, South Dakota grappled with extensive flooding, leading to the closure of several highways, including a crucial section of Interstate 29 near Sioux Falls.
As communities across the nation contend with the dual challenges of flooding and extreme heat, emergency responders and residents are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of these severe weather events.
