Series of storms cause flooding in southwest Wisconsin

SOUTHWEST WISCONSIN (WITI) -- A series of storms the last 24 hours has caused flooding in southwest Wisconsin. There have been no reports of injuries.

Numerous roads have been closed due to washouts and flash flooding. The National Weather Service says additional storms will move throughout the area later today and tonight that could result in heavy rain and flash flooding along with damaging winds and hail.

Wisconsin Emergency Management has 500,000 sandbags strategically place around Wisconsin and ready for delivery. The State Emergency Operations Center remains on the 24-hour duty officer system, which is level 4. The WEM Senior Duty Officer and the Duty Officer will continue to monitor the situation.

 

Part or all of the following counties are under a flash flood warning: Grant, Crawford, Dane, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland and Kenosha.

Grant County – The city of Boscobel received nearly 8 inches of rain according to the National Weather Service causing flooding. Local officials report more than half the streets were flooded but most of the water has receded. Damage assessments are underway today to determine how many homes sustained flooding. The Red Cross and Salvation Army are providing assistance. Other impacted areas of Grant County include flooding in the areas of Woodman, Mount Hope, Patch Grove, Blue River and the surrounding areas. A section of railroad track has been washed out about a mile west of Blue River. Earlier, the WI Department of Natural Resources and Blue River Fire Department responded to a call regarding canoeists that were stranded on the Wisconsin River. Rescue crews helped 54 people of the river and all the canoeists have been accounted for.

Crawford County – The Kickapoo River at Steuben is rising and some campers were evacuated from the area. Highways 60 and 61 along with some local roads are closed due to high water.

Vernon County – Minor flooding reported due to excessive rains. In Viola, a couple of out buildings were damaged due to high winds.

Iowa County – Some minor flooding and a few road closures reported.

St. Croix County – Last night up to 2.5 inches of rain fell in a 30 minute period causing roads and bridges to flood. Responders rescued people in vehicles that were disabled due to the flood waters in the Hudson and Roberts areas. No injuries were reported. Numerous town roads and a bridge in Baldwin are closed due to washouts and standing water. No shelters are open.