Barnes, Wisconsin – Intense thunderstorms dumped up to 6 inches of rain across southwestern Bayfield and southeastern Douglas counties Tuesday evening, sending creeks over their banks and threatening area roads with flash flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, the Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for the region—including Barnes, Drummond, and the Rainbow Lake Wilderness—until 10 p.m. CDT. Doppler radar and rain gauges confirmed the deluge, with another 2 inches possible before midnight. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin at any moment, and the risk is described as “considerable.”
Travel across rural highways, streets, and underpasses could quickly become hazardous as water rises. Local streams and campgrounds near Upper and Middle Eau Claire Lakes, Lake Owen, and surrounding trails are especially vulnerable. Emergency officials urge residents and visitors to avoid all flooded roads and trail crossings. Campers should seek higher ground immediately and avoid setting up near rivers or creeks, as terrain can rapidly become unstable.
This is the heaviest July rainfall for Bayfield County in several years, recalling similar flood emergencies from 2016. Authorities request that any flooding be reported once it is safe to do so.
Warnings are expected to remain in place through late evening, with more alerts possible if rain continues. Residents should stay tuned for updates and avoid non-essential travel tonight.
