(Columbia County) Columbia County is preparing for additional flooding this week. The Wisconsin and Crawfish Rivers are rising and are expected to crest mid-week.
Officials with the county’s Emergency Management Department say they are taking steps to mitigate potential damage to buildings, roads, and other facilities to ensure safety for residents. Sand and bags to fill are available to all Columbia County citizens at the main Columbia County Highway Department Shop at 338 West Old Highway 16 in Wyocena. Those interested are asked to drive in the main driveway and head straight back south to the sand pile.
A “no-wake” order has been issued for all watercraft on the Wisconsin River from the Highway 33 Bridge at Portage to the south ending at Whalen Grade.
Roads in the lower areas of Blackhawk Road in the township of Caledonia have been closed due to flooding and the potential of more flooding. Residents are asked to obey the road closed and high-water signs.
County officials add that multiple roads throughout the county have been closed due to flash flooding and partial washout.
Below are links to Columbia County river gauges:
Portage, Wisconsin River (has a forecast): https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/porw3
Columbus, Crawfish River: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/cusw3
Pardeeville, Fox River: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/pdvw3
Lodi, Spring Creek: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/lodw3
–Photo courtesy of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page
