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

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Texas Declaration

Tropical Storm Alberto is posing a severe threat to nearly 50 counties in Texas, leading to an emergency order that will remain in effect until July 4. KIII-TV in Corpus Christi highlighted that 45 tons of debris were cleared from the Coastal Bend region within a single day. To facilitate relief efforts, the state has temporarily suspended regulations regarding the hours of service for truck drivers operating commercial vehicles across all interstates, state, and local county roads. This applies to both intrastate and interstate commerce, and drivers are not required to carry a copy of the emergency declaration with them.

New Mexico Emergency

In New Mexico, the South Fork and Salt Fires in the south-central part of the state are expected to be fully contained by July 15, reports WHDH-TV. Tragically, the fires have resulted in two deaths and the loss of hundreds of homes, with arson being suspected as the cause. The FBI has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to those responsible. Truck drivers involved in supporting firefighting efforts in Lincoln and Otero counties are exempt from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (Title 49, CFR, Part 395.3 and 395.5) during this emergency. The latest updates are available on the New Mexico Fire Information website.

South Dakota Flood

The South Dakota Department of Transportation has closed Interstate 29 from Exit 2 to Exit 9 as of Sunday, June 23, due to the imminent cresting of the Big Sioux River. This closure was extended to Exit 26 on Monday, June 24. According to the state DOT, there are plans to construct a berm or levee across both lanes at Exit 4 to connect with an existing levee on the east side of North Sioux City. For the most current traffic maps and updates, residents are encouraged to check online resources.

Source: Land Line

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