Full Notification

Update on Flooding Event in Wisconsin Rapids

Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin – Monday, April 11, 2011

Wisconsin River flows through Wisconsin Rapids were at 56,100 cfs at 9:30 a.m. this morning. Flows are expected to increase, and will crest at approximately 59,000 to 61,000 cfs later today/Tuesday morning. This cresting rate of 59,000-61,000 cfs should hold for 24 to 48 hours. 61,000 cfs equates to 4 inches above flood stage. (For comparison, flow rates in Wisconsin Rapids reached 78,850 cfs on September 25, 2010, which was 2.8 feet above flood stage.) There is a chance of rain on Thursday and Friday which may affect the recession of flows; this will be monitored closely.

Effective 1:00 p.m. Monday, the roundabout on Second Avenue South/Hwy 54 (at Gaynor Avenue, 17th Avenue, and Second Avenue) will be closed until further notice.

All other streets and bridges in the City remain open. Bridges were inspected after the September 2010 flood and were found to have sustained no damage and are structurally sound.

Additional street closures may occur as conditions warrant. Please be prepared to take alternate routes and abide by the detours as recommended. Never drive in an area where there is standing or moving water.

As stated earlier, because of these increased flow rates, the City has implemented the following measures and safeguards:

City personnel have made personal contact with City residents and businesses that are in potentially affected flood areas.

Sandbags are available to be delivered to Wisconsin Rapids businesses and residences. City crews will deliver the sandbags on pallets, but will not place them. Residents may call (715) 421-8266 to request sandbags. Please leave your phone number if no one is available to answer your call.

The following City parks will be closed until further notice: Lyon, Legion, Veterans, Demitz, Mead Rapids View, and Ben Hansen (including the bike trail). Additionally, the Boles Creek Boat landing is closed.

Access to certain areas near the river is prohibited. Please heed barricades and signs and do not go in areas that are restricted.

These flow rates and projections are subject to change, so please watch for further information.

Information will be provided through local media outlets, nixle (please sign up at www.nixle.com), and on the City’s website, www.wirapids.org.

United Way of Inner Wisconsin’s 2-1-1 is available for residents. 2-1-1 can be dialed from your phone or cell phone and is an information and referral program that connects callers with community resources.

Further information regarding Wisconsin River flow rates and projections can be obtained from the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company website, www.wvic.com.

Red Cross Flood clean-up kits are available from the Wood County Health Department, located at 184 Second Street North, Wisconsin Rapids.

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For further information regarding this release, please contact:

Susan Schill
City Attorney/Public Information Officer, City of Wisconsin Rapids
444 West Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids WI 54495, (715) 421-8217, [email protected]