WI Emergency Operations Center-Flooding Update 6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact: Tod Pritchard

   Office: 608-242-3292

   Cell: 608-219-4008

 

 

Storm Update 6 – July 14, 2016 7:30 pm

 

 

The State of Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center has launched a special webpage on ReadyWisconsin with the latest press releases and information on the flooding response and recovery efforts. Visit http://ready.wi.gov/flooding/NorthernWI2016.asp.

 

Here is a county by county breakdown of the latest information:

 

Ashland County- The Ashland County Sheriff's Office says 82-year-old man was found dead early Thursday in a pickup truck in the floodwaters of the Marengo River in the Town of White River. This is the third confirmed fatality attributed to the flooding. Also in Ashland County, road crews are making repairs to U.S. Highway 2. Officials hope the road will reopened in the next few days.

 

Bayfield County- Road closures along U.S.Highway 63 at Twentymile Creek near Grand View, and Bibon Swamp between Grand View and Mason are listed as long term closures.

 

Burnett County- Inspections of the Webster Sewage Treatment Plant found significant damage due to flooding. The WIS Highway 77 Bridge over the St. Croix River is now open, along with all county roads.

 

Douglas County- Several people have been evacuated from their homes in the Town of Summit. A culvert wash-out had prevented access to those homes.

 

Iron County- Local and county officials have submitted a public sector preliminary damage estimate of $10,612,500. That includes damage to the publically owned portion of Saxon Harbor. The Army Corps of Engineers inspected the damage at the harbor. The salvaging of sunken boats is scheduled to begin late Friday. Also in Iron County, road closures on WIS Highway 122 and 169 are now listed as long term.

 

Sawyer County- Officials continue to monitor flood water levels in Hayward. Inmates from the Department of Corrections Gordon Correctional Facility are helping to fill sandbags through Saturday. Highway 63 in Hayward remains closed.

 

Washburn County- The privately owned Colton Dam was breached and failed. The dam failure did not impact any neighboring properties. WIS Highway 77 is now open. 

 

Many roads are reopening or are in the process of reopening. Below are the major road closures:

 

Ashland County

US 2 is closed east of Odanah at Lake Road. Traffic detoured via US 51, WIS 77, WIS 13, WIS 77, US 63, and US 53.

US 2 is closed at Denomie Creek near Bad River in Odanah.

WIS 13 is closed between Mellen and Ashland. Use WIS 77, US 63 and US 53 and US 2 as alternative route.

 

Bayfield County

US 63 is closed at Twentymile Creek near Grand View, north of Drummond. No official detour posted.

US 63 is closed near Bibon Swamp between Grand View and Mason. No official detour posted.

 

Burnett County

WIS 35 north of Danbury at Riverside is now open.

WIS 77 bridge over the St. Croix River west of Danbury is now open.

 

Iron County

WIS 122 closed north of US 2 to Michigan State Line. No official detour posted.

WIS 169 is closed between WIS 13 and US 2. No official detour posted.

 

Sawyer County

WIS 63 is closed in Hayward. A local detour is signed.

 

Motorists are advised to drive with caution on all area roads and are reminded not to drive through standing water. For up-to-date closures and detour information visit www.511wi.gov, download the free mobile app or follow @511WI on Twitter.

 

Wisconsin Department of Tourism issued a press release today reminding people that despite the flooding, tourism is open for business in northern Wisconsin. Department of Tourism recommends that travelers be prepared for detours and should call ahead to individual tourism businesses or visitor centers for further information about local conditions.   Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is also reminding campers and hikers to check their website at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/conditions/ for the updated state park and trail conditions.

 

Flood victims needing assistance can dial 2-1-1 to get connected to resources for food, clothing, healthcare, housing/shelter, support groups, employment and other health and human services.

 

The State Emergency Operations Center is elevated to Level 2 with Wisconsin Emergency Management, Wisconsin National Guard, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Administration, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Department of Health Services. WEM Regional offices are on scene working with county emergency management agencies.