Latest from around Wisconsin on flooding, which is expected to continue

A second reported dead from heavy rains, mudslides

The flooding isn’t over yet.

While there’s work underway to deal with those areas in western Wisconsin inundated by water from this week’s heavy rains and flooding, the National Weather Service warns of more possibly heavy rains on the way on Saturday and Sunday.

The rain amounts this week themselves wouldn’t have been enough to cause much alarm but, because the several inches of rain fell on already saturated soils, simply amplified flooding.

This weekend’s anticipated rains could cause just that many more problems.

Here’s the latest incident report from the Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center. 

Second Fatality- Vernon County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed a second storm-related fatality. Motorists are urged not to drive on flooded roadways and obey all road closure signs. Remember, turn around, don’t drown.

Overview- Widespread flooding continues over parts of southwest Wisconsin. Several rivers and streams are cresting today and tomorrow. Numerous roads remain closed. The National Weather Service is forecasting a few scattered showers today. Forecaster predict less than one inch of rain for late Saturday into Monday morning in the affected areas. Flood Warnings continue on many rivers. On Thursday, Governor Scott Walker declared a State of Emergency in 13 counties. Those counties are Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Sauk, Trempealeau and Vernon. Here is the latest update by county:

Chippewa County

WIS Highway 29 has reopened, but numerous county and local roads remain closed.

The Canadian National railroad had 50 feet of track washed out in Stanley and 150 feet washed out in Town of Wheaton.

Preliminary damage assessments found three homes sustained major damage and 12 minor damage. Total private sector damages are estimated at $300,000. Ten homes have major damage, two minor and 10 affected. Public sector damage (roads, bridges, etc.) are estimated at $300,000.

 Clark County

Approximately 70 roads remain closed.

Cleanup kits and well test kits are available through the Clark County Health Department with assistance from the Red Cross.

Red Cross is also compiling residential damages on behalf of Clark County. Residents with damage are urged to call 877-618-6628. Residents unable to leave their property due to driveway damage are urged to call the Clark County Sheriff’s office at 715-743-3157.

Columbia County

WIS Highway 127 between Portage and Wisconsin Dells remains closed.

Flood Warning continues for the Wisconsin River at Portage.

 Crawford County

Cleanup continues after a BNSF train derailed near Ferryville due to a track washout on Thursday.

Flood Warnings continue for the Kickapoo River at Soldiers Grove, Gays Mills, and Steuben

Road closures include:

WIS Highway 131, Closed, Soldiers Grove, water over road.

WIS Highway 131, Closed, Gays Mills, water over road.

WIS Highway 131, Closed, CTH E to CTH S (S. of Gays Mills), water over road.

WIS Highway 131, Closed, Steuben, water over road.

WIS Highway 171, Closed, Gays Mills, water over road.

WIS Highway 171, Closed, East of Gays Mills, embankment/pavement washout.

Eau Claire County

Early this morning, four homes in the town of Bridge Creek were evacuated due to an 11 foot rise in Lake Eau Claire. The Red Cross is assisting with the displaced residents.  

Sandbags are available at Lake Altoona County Park boat launch for lakeshore residents (604 North Beach Road-Altoona).

Roads closed include:

County Highway DD in Wilson.

County Highway Q west of XX in Ludington.

County Highway G near Channey Road to County Highway DD in Ludington.

Jackson County

Large amounts of debris have cleared through the Hatfield Dam without incident. The dam continues to be monitored and is not at risk of failure.

At the Black River Falls Dam, debris tore off one gate. The loss of this gate does not pose a public safety risk. The city is working with engineers to repair the dam.

The Forestry and Parks Department report that all off road vehicle trails are closed due to flooding and damage; West and East Arbutus County Parks are closed due to flooding.

Sandbagging continues in the Town of Melrose. Several homes may be threatened as the Black River starts to rise south of Black River Falls.

Residents are being urged to call 211 to report private property damage.

Flood Warning continues for the Black River at Black River Falls.

La Crosse County

Flood Warning continues for the Mississippi River at La Crosse.

Marquette County

The dam at Lake Mason was opened yesterday to allow more water out of the lake. Today, the water level is down approximately 8 inches.

Monroe County

Current public sector damage estimates are $32,250 (roads, bridges, etc.).

Four families in the city of Sparta have been displaced and have received assistance.

Richland County

Preliminary damage reports show one house destroyed and three with major damage. An additional 40 other homes have reported minor damage. Total approximate damage is $300,000.

There have been no reports of businesses with damage.

Public sector damages (roads, bridges, etc.) are estimated at $350,000.

Flood Warning for the Kickapoo River at Viola.

Roads closed include:

WIS Highway 56, Closed, East of Viola, water over road.

WIS Highway 80, Closed, Rockbridge, water over road.

WIS Highway 131, Closed, just N. of Viola, water over road.

Sauk County

A Department of Corrections strike team made up of inmates continued to fill sand bags in Rock Springs.

Reedsburg homecoming parade has been cancelled due to flooding on Granite Avenue.

Flood Warning continues for Baraboo River at Rock Springs.

Trempealeau County

Flood Warning continues for Black River at Galesville.

Vernon County

Officials report a second fatality. A 79 year man drove into high water in the Viroqua area.

Two vehicles were struck by mudslide debris on Hwy 35 near Hwy UU. One person suffered minor injuries.

Flood Warning continues for the Kickapoo River at Readstown and La Farge.

Still approx. 60 roads closed/partially closed due to high water including:

WIS Highway 35, Closed, Approx. 1 mile N. of Victory, debris slide.

WIS Highway 35, Closed, CTH UU/Victory, debris on pavement. Expected to be open late this afternoon.

WIS Highway 131/82, Closed, La Farge, water over road.

WIS Highway 131, Closed, Viola, water over road.

The State Emergency Operations Center remains elevated to Level 3 with Wisconsin Emergency Management, Wisconsin National Guard, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

WEM Regional offices remain on scene working with county emergency management agencies.