Historic Flooding of Wisconsin River Threatens Portage Community; Critical Infrastructure at Risk
PORTAGE, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that local officials are responding to historic flooding along the Wisconsin River as water levels continue to rise, placing significant strain on levee systems and threatening to breach in the Portage area. There is concern regarding the integrity of the Caledonia Levee, south of Highway 33 near Blackhawk Park.
For safety reasons, residents in the Blackhawk subdivision area should evacuate immediately while the road remains passable. It’s important that residents follow this warning.
“Emergency vehicles including police, fire and EMS will not be able to reach residents,” said Portage Fire Chief Troy Haase.
A reception center will be open in the Portage City Hall basement located at 115 W. Pleasant Street in Portage.
The levees continue to be monitored 24 hours a day, and crews are working to extend sandbag blockades. Per NOAA’s National Weather Prediction Service map, the Wisconsin River is expected to crest this afternoon; however, there is still concern regarding the levee stability due to prolonged saturated conditions and incoming rainfall.
The most current flooding and evacuation information can be found on the Columbia County Emergency Management website. Flooding resources are also available.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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