DAKOTA DUNES, S.D.(DRGNews)- South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem held another news briefing in Dakota Dunes Monday morning providing updated information about the extreme flooding happening in the southeastern corner of the state.

Noem said there’s a lot of debris in the floodwater so people need to stay safe and keep their distance.

Noem said the Big Sioux River crested earlier than expected.

The Big Sioux, James and Vermillion rivers in South Dakota all eventually drain into the Missouri River. Because the Big Sioux crested higher and earlier than anticipated, Noem said that changes what they expect to happen in the Missouri River downstream from Gavins Point Dam at Yankton.

Noem has signed a disaster proclamation (June 22, 2024), clearing the way for local and state officials to begin the process of applying for FEMA assistance.

Noem said the information they receive changes quickly and so does the response plan. She encouraged people to look at the South Dakota Department of Transportation social media platforms and SD511 for updated information.