BREAKING: Water rescue near intersection of West Nike and Country Road
National Weather Service issues flash flood warning for Pennington County
UPDATE: (9:30 p.m.) The Rapid City Fire Department shared a video of the rescue on their Facebook page, with the caption:
“A dramatic rescue just unfolded on West Nike Rd. near Country Rd. after a vehicle became trapped in the water of a flash flood.
While Truck 1 brought the individual to safety, this was a huge interagency effort. Particular “job well done” goes to Pennington County 911. They stayed on the phone with the individual, handled all emergency radio traffic in addition to multiple other emergencies.
The individual is being evaluated and more information will come at a later time. We will take this opportunity to remind everyone to avoid driving through flooded roads. We do not, in any way, shape, or form wish to appear as though we are “victim shaming”. We simply want everyone to know the dangers associated with flash flooding and be careful. North Haines Volunteer Fire Department, Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.”
UPDATE: (8:30 p.m.) A NewsCenter1 viewer sent in drone footage of the water rescue authorities had to perform earlier on Friday evening on West Nike Road. You can view that footage and photos from the rescue below:
UPDATE: (7:30 p.m.) The Rapid City Fire Department says the water rescue has been complete. The occupant is now safe.
Photo from the Rapid City Fire Department
The RCFD says it took longer than usual to conduct the rescue because first responders were delayed by multiple flooded roads.
They continue to ask the public to avoid the area.
Additionally, people should use extreme caution near Rapid Creek and Box Elder Creek. Motorists that encounter a flooded road are urged to turn around.
Country Road from Dyess road to West Nike is now closed. West Nike is also closed near Colbert Street.
A flash flood warning continues to be in effect for Central Pennington County until 9:15 p.m. on Friday. The north and eastern sides of Rapid City and Rapid Valley are expected to be impacted most.
Residents should be prepared to move to higher ground and act quickly. Stay tuned into NewsCenter1 for updates.
PENNINGTON COUNTY, S.D. — 6:33 p.m. UPDATE: Rapid City Fire Department and other law enforcement are on the scene of a water rescue on West Nike near Country Road.
Photo Courtesy of Rapid City Fire Department
Multiple RCFD companies, North Haines FD and law enforcement on a water rescue, West Nike near Country Rd.
DO NOT APPROACH THE SCENE.
Updates as appropriate. pic.twitter.com/agHFSATEZL
— Rapid City Fire Dept (@RapidCityFire) June 1, 2019
At around 4:15 p.m. doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain around Rapid City. With Rapid Creek already running high, flash flooding is expected to begin shortly. The north and eastern sides of Rapid City and Rapid Valley are expected to be impacted most.
Residents should be prepared to move to higher ground and act quickly. NewsCenter1 will bring updates as they become available.
