The National Weather Service is predicting the Big Sioux River in Dell Rapids will reach near record flood levels by Monday, March 25th and stay near that level throughout much of next week, and citizens are proactively working to limit the damage as much as possible. The NWS predicts the Big Sioux River will hit 16.3 feet, which is just shy of the 16.5 foot recorded record. Flood stage is at 12.0 feet. The current level of the river is at 13.66 feet.
The City of Dell Rapids has been in coordination with the Emergency Management staff at Minnehaha County. A 24-hour sandbagging site is now open at the Dell Rapids City maintenance shop located at 24680 475th Ave. Sandbags, shovel, and sand is available at the site and will be open 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Residents are urged to be prepared to fill their own sandbags, however, there are efforts to get volunteers to help fill the bags.
If you would like to help volunteer to help fill sandbags, please visit the Dell Rapids Flood Relief and Preparation Facebook group to get more details on how to help, https://www.facebook.com/groups/2005215246440744/