Flooding of epic proportions is the devastating result of severe weather moving through the area Friday night and early Saturday morning. Over five inches of rain fell in Sanborn, adding to the four-and-a-half inches that had fallen over the previous five days.
That was common throughout the tri-state area and rivers which were already swollen surged out of their banks to unprecedented levels. The Little Sioux River flooded large sections of Spencer and Cherokee. The threat of the rising Rock River intensified when a levee was breached in Rock Valley, sending flood waters into much of that community. Travel was not recommended in the area.
People were without power and sewer plants and lift stations became inoperable. Citizens of Sanborn were requested on Saturday to limit the amount of water and wastewater usage. The City noted that efforts to reduce the additional water being sent to the sewer system would help to reduce any additional water and sewage backup. The City’s manholes were being pumped out on Saturday.
The flash flooding caused many basements to fill with water. Among the places dealing with the situation was Jay’s Restaurant and Lounge which reported on social media that two-and-a-half feet of water was in their basement. That caused them to close on Saturday. On Sunday they were without hot water and remained closed. They opened again on Monday.

With sump pumps being in great demand, Doug Elgersma of 610 Depot made a trip to Omaha on Saturday to re-stock. After travel delays due to the flooding, he returned that evening with the valuable cargo and opened up the store. There was a parking lot full of people in need.
As flood damaged household waste was being removed from homes, the City of Sanborn gave notice on Monday that the waste is being accepted at the City’s new yard waste site in the northwest part of town. The waste is to be disposed of in the southern, barricaded grass clippings site as far back as possible. No electronics or appliances are allowed. The City says that grass clippings will not be accepted until further notice.
Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster emergency proclamation for counties in northwest Iowa, including O’Brien (see separate article) and has requested Federal aid. For information on Individual Disaster Assistance Programs and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program, go to https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/disasters/individual-disaster-assistance-programs.