La Crosse, WI – Minor flooding is ongoing along several rivers across eastern Iowa and western Wisconsin today, with the National Weather Service warning residents to steer clear of flooded roads and remain alert as water levels slowly recede.
According to the NWS in La Crosse, the Trempealeau River at Dodge crested at 10.9 feet early Wednesday morning—above the 10.5-foot flood threshold. While levels are expected to fall below flood stage by this evening, residents in Buffalo and Trempealeau counties are urged to avoid low-lying crossings and areas near the railroad bridge upstream from the gauge.
In northeast Iowa, the Cedar River at Charles City reached 13.5 feet overnight—well above its 12-foot flood stage. Floodwaters have closed Bracket Street, and the river will stay elevated until late Thursday morning.
The Turkey River at Elkader continues to rise, expected to crest at 13.7 feet this evening before falling below flood stage by Friday morning. Low-lying areas near the river remain at risk for minor flooding, especially in Clayton and Winneshiek counties.
Drivers should not attempt to bypass barricades or drive through high water. Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
Flood warnings remain in effect into Friday for parts of northeast Iowa, with updates expected later today from the National Weather Service.
