Less Rain In Forecast Should Allow State’s Flooded Areas To Dry Out

After more than two weeks of heavy rainfall in parts of Wisconsin, area residents should experience dry conditions into next week.

This should help dry out flooded areas and improve river flooding in parts of the state, according to a release from the State Emergency Operations Center.

As of Thursday, major flooding was occurring along the Baraboo and Kickapoo rivers while minor to moderate flooding was reported elsewhere, including the Fox and Rock rivers.

The Baraboo River crested in Sauk County in Reedsburg on Wednesday night. It’s expected to go up another 2 or 3 feet over the weekend in the city of Baraboo and is supposed to crest Friday in the city of Baraboo.

The Kickapoo River is going down at Viola and Readstown, both in Vernon County. Water levels will continue to be over flood stage on these rivers through at least the weekend.

As of Thursday, about 150 Wisconsin National Guard members continued to support sandbagging operations in Columbia County in anticipation of possible flooding of the interstate near Portage.

Gov. Scott Walker tweeted Thursday that flooding and storms have caused more than $208 million in damage statewide. Emergency officials say the tally is far from complete.

Walker will survey flood damage and discuss ongoing recovery efforts Friday in Reedsburg.