Due to concerns over flooding along the Missouri River, emergency declarations have now been issued in both Iowa and South Dakota.
Extensive rainfall across eastern South Dakota, northeastern Nebraska, and northwestern Iowa has resulted in widespread flooding, road closures, and urgent evacuations. This information comes directly from a joint statement released by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen.
The Iowa Department of Transportation has issued a strong advisory against traveling through nine counties. As of Wednesday morning, June 26, their 511 map indicates sections of Interstates 29 and 680 near Council Bluffs, Iowa, remain closed since Tuesday, June 25.
Iowa’s disaster emergency, affecting 21 counties, will be in place until July 22. Throughout this period, disaster repair crews and drivers transporting essential goods and services to disaster sites are exempt from the Iowa Code’s hours of service regulations. Additionally, restrictions on load movements related to the flood emergency on all Iowa highways, excluding the interstate system, are temporarily waived.
South Dakota Flooding
In South Dakota, flooding has caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, dams, and other public infrastructure, as detailed in the emergency declaration issued on Monday, June 24.
The previously closed section of I-29 in South Dakota, from Exit 2 to Exit 26, has since been reopened, according to the most recent travel updates.
The South Dakota flood emergency mandates that drivers of delivery vehicles are to carry supplies needed for flood relief and maintain these supplies. Both state and federal hours of service regulations for motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to this regional flood emergency are waived until July 8.
Source: Land Line
