Flood Warning Issued For Parts Of Wisconsin, Large Portion Of State Highway Closed
While is great to feel warmer weather across the Northland, the rising temperatures are creating flooding issues due to snowmelt, especially in northwest Wisconsin.
With conditions deteriorating in that area, the National Weather Service issued the following Flood Warning on Tuesday night:
- WHERE: A portion of northwest Wisconsin, including the following areas, Bayfield and Douglas.
- WHEN: Until 415 PM CDT Thursday, April 13
- IMPACTS: Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring.
- ADDITIONAL DETAILS: At 845 PM CDT, local law enforcement reported flooding in the warned area. Flooding is already occurring. State Highway 13 from Lakeside in Douglas County to Port Wing in Bayfield County is closed due to multiple culvert failures. More flooding is expected due to runoff from the snowmelt.
- LOCATIONS OF IMPACT: Superior, Iron River, Maple, Brule, Poplar, Oulu, Port Wing, Cloverland, Waino, Mouth Of Brule, Blueberry, and Wentworth.
As the National Weather Service noted, a large segment of State Highway was closed due to flooding. The area included parts of both Bayfield County and Douglas County.
The Douglas County, Wisconsin Facebook page said that there had been multiple culvert failures and portions of the road were washing away. They added that there is no official detour available.
On Wednesday morning, the Bayfield County Highway Department issued an update, warning motorists that not only is State Highway 13 an issue but that many highways within the county had water on them.
Superior is listed on the NWS Flood Warning as a city that will experience flooding. Meanwhile, Duluth is currently in a Flood Advisory until 12:30 p.m. Thursday. As of now, minor flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas. The National Weather Service also notes that river or stream flows are elevated.
Remember, turn around, and don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
Motorists are asked to report observed flooding to local emergency services or law
enforcement and to the National Weather Service in Duluth when they can do so safely.