Update on Flooding River is at its crest Some streets and parks still closed See email for full details
Update on Flooding Event in Wisconsin Rapids
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin – Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Flow Update:
Wisconsin River flows through Wisconsin Rapids were holding at 63,900 cfs this morning. Flows are expected to remain at that level through the afternoon, and we should see a decrease somewhat later this evening. Although decreasing, flows are still expected to exceed 60,000 through the night, with more decreasing flows tomorrow. Indications are, however, that the Wisconsin River has reached its cresting rate at 63,900 cfs. There is a chance of rain on Thursday and Friday which may affect the recession of flows; this will be monitored closely.
Street/Park/Other Closures:
The roundabout on Second Avenue South/Hwy 54 (at Gaynor Avenue, 17th Avenue, and Second Avenue) is closed. Second Avenue South from Park Street to May Street is closed.
Second Street South between Park Street and May Street is closed.
First Avenue South (at Second Avenue South) is closed.
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.
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. Violators will be cited.
Sandbags:
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.
Further 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.
For further information regarding this release, please contact:
Susan Schill
City Attorney/Public Information Officer
444 West Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids WI 54495
(715) 421-8217
[email protected]
Address/Location
Wood County Dispatch Center
400 Market St
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 715-421-8701
Kelly Zenz
Wood County
[email protected]
715-421-8668