Flooding might not be severe in Watertown

WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- The Watertown area may have dodged a bullet when it comes to spring flooding.

City and Codington County officials met on Monday. They continued to discuss and plan for potential flooding in and around Watertown. Still, unless the weather forecast changes, officials say there is only a slight chance of minor flooding along the Big Sioux River and Lake Kampeska.

National Weather Service flood specialist Amy Parkin said that if any minor flooding happens, it will come in the next couple of days.

A weak weather system is expected to bring a little rain Thursday into Friday, but not enough to worsen flood predictions. However, there is a possibility of more precipitation down the road.

Watertown Police Department Public Information Officer Ryan Beauchamp said city officials aren’t taking any chances and are placing sandbags at some Lake Kampeska lift stations, just in case.

Free sandbags are available at the Codington County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Emergency

Management at 119 South Maple Street in Watertown. Sand will also be available at Sailboat

Landing on North Lake Drive at Lake Kampeska.

The National Weather Service in Aberdeen issued a flood warning for the Big Sioux River near Castlewood on Monday. The river is to rise to 10.3 feet Friday morning but soon falls again to remain just above the flood stage at 9.0 feet.