State of emergency after major flash floods hit St. Croix, Wisconsin, U.S.
Major flash floods hit St. Croix County in western Wisconsin, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency on Monday, June 29, 2020. One fatality was reported and more than 50 roads were closed at one point in the area.
St. Croix County recorded more than 188 mm (7 inches) of rainfall in a 24-hour period to Monday, resulting in flooding that washed out roads across the area.
According to county officials, the sites experiencing significant inundations are the municipalities of Kinnickinnic, Pleasant Valley, Rush River, Eau Galle, Warren, Hammond, Baldwin, Springfield, Erin Prairie, Emerald, Glenwood, Cylon, and Forest.
More than 50 roads were blocked at one point due to flooding.
One of the reasons U.S. Highway 63 was closed today north of Baldwin #Wisconsin #wiwx pic.twitter.com/hy2H0sUtZM
— Andrew Krueger (@akpix) June 29, 2020
The county's Sherriff's Office confirmed that one man died when his vehicle was swept away by waters in a flooded area in Baldwin. The vehicle entered the ditch and was submerged.
In the same area, at least five motorists standing on the roofs of their cars were saved from rushing waters on Highway 63.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Twin Cities said Emerald recorded 232 mm (9.1 inches) of rain to Monday, Baldwin 209 mm (8.2 inches), Hammond 208.3 mm (8.2 inches), and River Fall 184.2 mm (7.3 inches).
Authorities also evacuated at least eight families from houses near a swollen creek and were taken to a community center.
Rainfall map and list of highest measurements from the last 24 hours ending around 7 AM this morning. Locations highlighted in red have received over 4" of rainfall. Over 8" was reported near Baldwin, WI. List of rainfall reports by county: https://t.co/cYtB4axXTe #mnwx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/76D2oUAKFr
— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) June 29, 2020
"If your home or business has been impacted by flooding you can dial 2-1-1 to report damage, request shelter, and request support to help with debris management, roof tarping, mold mitigation and remediation, and more," the Sherriff's Office said in a statement.
"We have made arrangements with the Red Cross for shelter support and are sending out information to all municipalities regarding declarations, damage assessment, sheltering, and other resources."
"The St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and Highway Department are closely monitoring this situation. We are advising no travel through impacted areas. Please do not attempt to cross flooded roads or drive around barriers."
Featured image credit: St. Croix County Sherriff's Office
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