Travel strongly discouraged in NW Iowa due to flooding

AMES, Iowa — The Iowa DOT is discouraging travel in Northwest Iowa after heavy rains caused roads to be flooded. According to Iowa 511, travel is strongly discouraged in Lyon, Sioux, O’Brien, Clay, Emmet, and Dickenson County. Many roads flooded in the wee hours, closing these roads.

Overnight the Sioux County Sheriff’s office announced there would be evacuations in the city due to rising flood waters of the Rock River. This morning the City of Rock Valley posted an update on Facebook.

City of Rock Valley: “Evacuating our citizens who are still needing assistance is our number one priority right now. Currently we have dive teams, swift boats and task force teams in the water and evacuation plans are in place.

Using pickups, tractors, trucks or loaders is no longer an option for evacuation because of the water current and height. Please know all boats and teams are doing all they can to get to each and every one of your loved ones.

If you or family members are still waiting to be evacuated please call (712) 737-3307 and give them your name and location.” City of Rock Valley

Video of the Flooding was shot on Friday by Carter Vanden Bos.

Rain overnight closed highways from Okoboji west toward Sioux Falls. In northern Iowa check Iowa 511 to find out which roads are closed due to flooding.

This is the closure map from 8 am Saturday.