Portage, WI – Minor flooding is expected to persist along the Wisconsin River in Columbia County through early Saturday morning, as river levels remain above flood stage.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, the Wisconsin River at Portage measured 17.7 feet as of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Flood stage is 17.0 feet, and the river is projected to hold near that level until Friday evening before beginning a slow decline.
The current conditions are causing minor flooding in several low-lying areas. Seasonal homes along Old River Road in the Blackhawk Park area are surrounded by water, with roadways including W Lake Road, Sec K Road, Blackhawk Road, and West Lane Road experiencing significant inundation. In the Town of Dekorra, about a dozen homes along Highway V are also affected, with water over River Oaks Road and Oak Knoll Road.
This crest is similar to the river’s previous peak of 17.8 feet recorded on April 14, 2014. The river is forecast to fall just below flood stage by Friday evening, with levels expected to continue dropping into the weekend.
The National Weather Service is urging caution near riverbanks and reminding residents to avoid driving through flooded roadways. Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Updated forecasts and safety information can be found at weather.gov.
The next flood statement from the National Weather Service is scheduled for 4:15 a.m. Thursday.
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