Severe storms with strong winds and historic flooding continue to ravage the Midwest, with the onslaught expected to persist well into the next month, prompting AccuWeather forecasters to issue warnings. In Brandon, South Dakota, just outside of Sioux Falls, heavy rains have caused significant damage to the public golf course, forcing its closure until July 4 at the earliest. The course had previously undergone repairs after flooding a few years ago, with bunkers rebuilt in 2022 prior to the recent round of destruction. This time, the ninth fairway is set to be heavily impacted as nearby Splitrock Creek swells.
Reports from Dakota News Now indicate that the flooding at the golf course has left behind a slow-moving build-up of sludge from neighboring farms, causing a foul smell. The long-time superintendent, Kelly Eilers, described the situation as having “lots and lots of silt” that has deposited onto the course. The clubhouse, situated atop a hill with views of several holes, including the finishing holes on both the front and back nine, was not spared from the flooding. The overflow from a nearby pond inundated these holes, greens, and the driving range adjacent to the ninth green.
Eilers highlighted the extent of the damage, noting that three bunkers were completely submerged, with silt accumulating to about three-quarters of an inch inside. The cleanup efforts involved removing the top layer of the bunkers and relocating the sand to the parking lot for reconstruction. While some affected rivers in states like Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska are experiencing receding flood waters, the forecast predicts more storms, including powerful derechos, to continue pushing river levels to new highs over the coming weeks. The storms are expected to travel eastward and southeastward along the northern rim of a heat dome in the southern U.S.
As the Midwest braces for further severe weather, the impacts of the ongoing storms are evident in the extensive damage caused to infrastructure such as the Brandon golf course. The community is facing significant challenges in recovering from the flooding, with cleanup efforts underway to restore the course to its former state. With forecasts indicating continued storm activity in the region, residents are urged to stay vigilant and prepared for potential further disruptions. The resilience of communities like Brandon will be tested in the face of these unprecedented weather events, as they work towards rebuilding and restoring normalcy in the wake of the devastation.
