Midwest Storm Spotters League

Flood Situation Report

April 18 / 6am Update: No significant changes overnight in flooding situation. Here is the latest information.

Weather

A slow moving and strong low pressure system will bring widespread showers and thunderstorms today, with total rainfall of 2 to 3.5 inches expected through Thursday evening.

A flood watch is in effect through Friday. Rivers will rise with many reaching flood stage once again, while other rivers already in flood stage will worsen, rising into moderate and major flood levels.

Saturated ground will cause ponding and water covered roads, even away from waterways and especially in low-lying areas. This will also bring a chance for urban flooding.

The forecast for the next few days (through Wednesday, April 24th) includes periods of severe thunderstorms mainly southeast of a line from Sheboygan to Madison to Darlington.

Wisconsin Emergency Management Response

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) was activated at 6pm Wednesday, April 17, 2013. Staff will continue monitoring situation on a 24/7 basis. We’ve received no requests for assistance overnight.

East Central

Door County: Some local flooding in fields, Emergency Management Director is monitoring conditions

Outagamie County: The Fox River has been put under slow/no-wake enforcement in Outagamie County.

Waupaca County: The Wolf River was put under slow/no-wake enforcement in Waupaca County yesterday; the river was just approaching flood stage this afternoon with slowly rising levels. Emergency Management Director is monitoring conditions.

Winnebago County– Rivers are high, especially in Town of Wolf River, Eureka and Omro with predictions that the Fox River will hit flood stage in Winnebago County.

Southeast Region

Jefferson County: Some municipal roads are closed/partially closed. Blackhawk Island located in the Towns of Sumner and Koshkonong is completely flooded.

Kenosha County: Vern Wolf Dam monitoring continues. State Highway 75 remains closed. Residents in the Fox River floodplain are urged to seek alternative shelter since the river is predicted to rise to just over the major flood stage of 14.1 feet. The Red Cross has been contacted and is ready to open a shelter if needed. The County also has sand bags available at the Wilmot Pit for anyone who needs them. There are sporadic areas of flooding due to heavy rainfall. Currently there is flooding across the roadway on County Highway K west of County Highway D (just west of the Des Plains River) and also at a low area on 236th Ave. in the north end of Paddock Lake. Public Works has additional staff working throughout the evening and they, as well as the Sheriff’s Department, will monitor the roadways and barricades will be deployed as necessary.

Ozaukee County: Saukville—Sandbagging around pumping stations and manholes; Thiensville—shoring-up sandbags in anticipation of flooding.

Racine County: County Executive Jim Ladwig has issued a report on the potential flooding in Racine County. “Racine County staff have been actively monitoring and responding to the current weather conditions and potential for flooding”, stated Ladwig. “Our Office of Emergency Management and Public Works Departments are keeping my office informed on the situation as it develops, and we are hosting a Flood Meeting at Ives Grove on Thursday morning, April 18, 2013 at 8:30 am for officials from the area municipalities,” he said. Because of the heavy rains, all municipalities in Racine County were contacted by county staff today. They were given the option of ordering sandbags from the county (at cost). The village of Waterford says property owners may pick up filled sandbags at the Village of Waterford Public Works building located at 801 Ela Avenue on pallets for pick up at any time on a first come first serve basis. Residents are responsible for loading their own sandbags. Due to strong water currents, individuals are strongly encouraged not to boat on the Fox River at this time.

Other Agencies/Coordination

DOT-State Patrol

Rock River is approximately 27 inches below the bottom of the westbound bridge. Periodic checks will continue.

Kenosha County is reporting standing water in lane one (left lane) of northbound I-94 in two locations - South of Hwy 50 and North of 142. No lane closures are required at this time.