Wisconsin storm damage: Tornado, flood aftermath across the area
MILWAUKEE - Friday's severe storms have passed. And with that, the threat of any severe weather has also passed for the immediate future as no storms or rain are expected for several days.
However, plenty of damage remains across southeastern Wisconsin as of Saturday morning, in addition to the ongoing flooding threat.
Several area rivers are at flood stage, and there are multiple river flood warnings in effect.
SE Wisconsin storms cause widespread damage, flood watches remain
Southeast Wisconsin experienced another round of severe weather Friday following storms that brought wind, rain, hail, flash floods and, in some areas, tornadoes earlier this week. Follow the latest updates below.
Confirmed tornadoes
What we know:
The National Weather Service confirmed five tornadoes touched down in southeast Wisconsin on Friday night, April 17. The most powerful, an EF1 with peak winds estimated at 100 mph, was near the Milwaukee-Racine county line. Others were confirmed near Burlington, Muskego, North Cape and Waterford.
Rivers at flood stage
Burlington
What we know:
NWS projects the Fox River flood level in Burlington to be as high as 13 feet by the evening of April 19. This is above moderate flood stage but below major flood stage. The Fox River is expected to crest in New Munster at 15.8 feet the evening of April 19 or overnight.
The flooding has led to some street and park closures, and residents are strongly advised not to drive around barricades. Due to strong water currents, people are also strongly encouraged not to boat on the Fox River at this time.
Racine County Emergency Management has coordinated with the City of Burlington and Racine County resources to provide sand and sandbags for public use at 600 Maryland Avenue in the City of Burlington. You must fill your own bags.
Basement clean up kits will be available from the American Red Cross to those who have experienced flood damage to their basements. You must request a kit by emailing your name and address to cityhall@burlington-wi.gov. All flood debris must be left curbside for pickup by ASDA Enterprise Inc.
Residential households impacted by flooded roadways may temporarily park their vehicles on the Festival Grounds off of Maryland Avenue.
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Jefferson
What we know:
NWS has issued a Flood Warning for the Rock River at Jefferson. Water levels are predicted to rise from the previous prediction of 12.4 feet in the moderate flood stage, to 12.9 feet by April 23, which is just below the major flood stage of 13 feet. It is predicted to stay at that level through Saturday, April 25.
East Riverview Drive is closed due to high water on the roadway near the Tensfeldt Park Boat Launch and the wastewater treatment plant. The West North Street Walk Bridge is closed due to high water and debris accumulation.
All sump pump discharges should be directed to lawns and should not be directed to floor drains to reduce impacts on the wastewater treatment plant.
All city boat launches and fishing piers remain closed, and full closure of Riverfront Park is anticipated due to standing floodwaters. City officials urge people to be patient when traveling, avoid areas of standing water, and never drive through a flooded roadway.
The City of Jefferson has sandbag material for use at 425 Collins Road. City residents are responsible for filling and placement of sandbags at their property and are encouraged to take precautionary measures. If your property is in a low-lying area in the floodplain, please plan ahead accordingly. Imminent threats of flood water can be reported to City Hall or the Police Department (numbers listed below).
- City Hall (Monday – Thursday) 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Friday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.) (920-674- 7700)
- Police Department (Monday-Friday) – 7:00 a.m. to 11 p.m. (920-674-7707)
- Police Department (Saturday) – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (920-674-7707)
- Emergency – call 911
On the scene in the morning
What we know:
Farmstead damage in Franklin
FOX6's Hayley Spitler is in Franklin on Saturday morning, April 18, getting a daylight look at the damage from last night's storms.
Storm damage in Caledonia
Friday's storms left quite the mark across southern and southeastern Wisconsin, including at L and L Farms and Greenhouse in Caledonia.
On the farm following the severe storms
FOX6's Hayley Spitler stopped at a farm in Franklin that suffered damage from Friday's night's severe storms and spoke to the farm's owner.
Flooding and high river levels throughout SE Wisconsin
Now that the storms have passed, it's flooding and high river levels that are the big concern. FOX6's Andrew Amouzou is in Oak Creek where the Root River has flooded and forced a road closure.
FOX6 Weather Extras
Local perspective:
Meanwhile, FOX6Now.com offers a variety of extremely useful weather tools to help you navigate the stormy season. They include the following:
FOX6 Storm Center app
FOX LOCAL Mobile app
FOX Weather app
Maps and radar
We have a host of maps and radars on the FOX6 Weather page that are updating regularly — to provide you the most accurate assessment of the weather. From a county-by-county view to the Midwest regional radar and a national view — it’s all there.
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School and business closings
When the weather gets a little dicey, schools and businesses may shut down. Monitor the latest list of closings, cancellations, and delays reported in southeast Wisconsin.
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The Source: FOX6 News referenced information from the National Weather Service and FOX6 Weather Experts.