More than 6 inches of rain falls in one week

Just a week ago concerns were growing about spreading drought conditions in western Minnesota. But a series of heavy thunderstorms over the past seven days have emphatically brought an end to those worries.
The Benson area received 6.37 inches of rain between July 5 and July 11. Some areas around Benson have seen more than 8 inches of rain.
July 2016 is now the 10th wettest on record with 6.37 inches of rain and there are still 18 days left in the month. The month’s record is 9.57 inches in 1994. July averages 3.56 inches of rain.
The wild week of weather started July 5 as two thunderstorms passed over Swift County in the early morning hours bringing heavy rain. Through the late morning and early afternoon a new line of severe thunderstorms formed in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota. Shortly after 2 p.m., July 5, the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for the area. Just 15 minutes later a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Swift County.
Shortly after 2:30 p.m., July 5, a tornado warning was issued for southwestern Swift County with a tornado spotted near Appleton and Holloway. There were no reports of damage.
However, the storm did extensive damage in southern Swift County with hail battering crops in a several mile wide swath from the Chippewa River along Swift County 6 eastward into Kandiyohi County...
Pictured, top: Monday saw nearly 3 inches of rain fall between 7:15 a.m. and 9 a.m. causing flooding of city streets as well as in farm fields in the area.
Bottom: Puddles hold an enduring fascination for children.
 
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