Full Notification

Notification on River Flow in Wisconsin Rapids
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin – Friday, April 19, 2019 1:45 p.m. CST

Wisconsin River flows through Wisconsin Rapids were at 71,700 cubic feet per second (cfs) at 1:00 today. Flows are now predicted to hold and then peak over 72,000 cfs in the next 24 hours. This is a moderate flood stage. Upstream, flows are stable or decreasing.

Because of these increased flow rates, the City has implemented the following measures and safeguards:

Officials are actively monitoring flow forecasts and conditions.

Personal contact with City residents and businesses that are in potentially affected flood areas will occur should conditions warrant.

The following parks are CLOSED: Lyon, Legion, Veterans, Demitz, Mead Rapids View and Ben Hansen (including the bike trail), as well as the Boles Creek Boat landing.

At this time, the following city streets are closed: 2nd Street South between Locust and Walnut Street and 1st Street North between the roundabout and Drake St. We are making every effort to keep the roundabout at Second Avenue South, 17th Avenue South, and Gaynor Avenue open but may be closed if we cannot control the water. Please avoid this area and use caution if you must travel through these areas.

The City has been informed that Wood County will be closing highway 54 in Port Edwards at some time this afternoon.

Should conditions warrant street closures, 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.

Access to certain areas near the river is prohibited. Please heed any 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.

Wood County Emergency Management has made sand bags available, on a self service basis at the City Garage, 1411 Chase St, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495.

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

United Way of South Wood and Adams Counties’ 2-1-1 information and referral program is available for residents to connect with community resources. 2-1-1 can be dialed from your phone or cell phone.

Further information regarding Wisconsin River flow rates and projections can be obtained from the NOAA Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=grb&gage=wirw3&prob_type=stage&source=hydrograph
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For further information regarding this release, please contact:
Joe Terry
Director of Public Works
715-421-8255
[email protected]

Instructions:

Should conditions warrant street closures, 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.

Access to certain areas near the river is prohibited. Please heed any 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.