2 days ago
Could flooding be an issue with the rain this week?
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – The rain and floods of June 2024 were historic for South Dakota. One year later, as KELOLAND heads into a week of consistent rain showers and thunderstorms, meteorologist Brian Karstens clears the air about flood concerns.
Karstens said the June 2024 rainfall was 'blockbuster' rain. Back then, Karstens said the KELOLAND area saw flooding in the third week of June, bringing damage and clean-up efforts to many communities. According to a KELOLAND 2024 weather recap, many of these flooded communities, like Rock Valley and McCook Lake, saw 12-18 inches of rainfall just from June 20-22.
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But one year later, we're not looking at that much rain, Karstens said. But he cautions the possibility of local flash flooding, due to the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere.
'Basically, you look at the parameters and how the water stacked in the air, and it's going up,' Karstens said. 'It definitely goes up normally this time of year. We expect into mid-June that you're going to just start to see that rich humidity making its presence known, so always be aware of that.'
Karstens said to always take flash flood warnings seriously.
'If we do get some downpours tonight, even tomorrow, even next week, I think that's just a general thing to think about as we get into the forecast,' Karstens said.
The KELOLAND meteorologists update the KELOLAND Weather website daily, including a weather alert section for all weather-related watches and warnings. Follow KELOLAND News for coverage each day and use our KELOLAND News app. Stay informed about the weather with our KELOLAND Storm Tracker App.
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