Railroad bridge collapses into river after flooding near Iowa as eight times average rainfall hits

The railroad bridge crossing the Big Sioux River in North Sioux City collapsed. The railroad bridge connecting Riverside and North Sioux City collapsed around 11 p.m.

Ongoing flooding in the area prompted the Sioux County Sheriff's Office to block roads and bridges ahead of the collapse. Authorities are currently assessing the damage and possible effects on train services following the incident, which caused significant disruption.

“It somehow collapsed in the center and is currently in the river,” authorities said. The railroads using it frequently transport grain between here and Sioux Falls, as well as crushed rock.

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Iowa received eight times the usual average rainfall as heavier rains were expected this week. Flooding on rivers including the Big Sioux, James and Vermillion is expected to peak between Monday and Wednesday evening.

Floodwaters continue to rise along the borders of South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. In northwest Iowa, 13 rivers flooded the area, according to Eric Tigges of Clay County Emergency Management.

“When the flood gauge is underwater, it’s very high,” Tigges said. National Guard troops were assisting with water rescues and transporting needed medications lost in the floods.

About 100 miles (160 kilometers) away, Spencer imposed a curfew for the second night in a row on Sunday after flooding surpassed the record set in 1953.

National Weather Service meteorologist Donna Dubberke said parts of northern Nebraska, southeast South Dakota, southern Minnesota and northwest Iowa received eight times the usual average precipitation . Due to weeks of rain, parts of Iowa experienced flooding that prompted residents to evacuate their homes, and on Saturday much of the country was yearning for respite from another unusual heat wave.

A state plane was on its way to help, but Mayor Kevin Van Otterloo said it had to cancel when boats were able to reach the stranded citizens.

“We’ve had so much rain here,” he said. “We had 4 inches last night in an hour and a half. Our land simply can't take it anymore.