La Crosse, Wis. – Rivers across western Wisconsin and northeast Iowa are running high tonight as flood warnings remain in effect, with minor flooding ongoing in Trempealeau and Clayton counties.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, the Trempealeau River at Dodge stood at 10.8 feet Wednesday evening, just above the 10.5-foot flood stage. Water levels are forecast to dip below flood stage Thursday morning before falling to around 8 feet by midweek. Officials noted the railroad bridge about three-quarters of a mile upstream from the Dodge gage may restrict flow when levels approach 11 feet.
In Iowa, the Turkey River at Elkader crested near 13.3 feet earlier Wednesday, surpassing its 12-foot flood stage. By 7:45 p.m., the river was at 12.8 feet and slowly dropping. The NWS expects water levels to slip below flood stage overnight, easing the risk of further flooding in Clayton County.
The Cedar River at Charles City has receded, prompting cancellation of its flood warning. Still, residents in flood-prone areas should remain alert for rapidly changing river conditions.
Drivers are urged not to drive through water-covered roads. “Turn around, don’t drown” remains the guidance, as most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Flood warnings for both the Trempealeau and Turkey rivers are expected to expire by Thursday, though officials caution more advisories may be needed if additional rainfall develops.
