Heavy rains have caused more road closures today. We will continue to update the map as information is received. Stay alert to changing conditions. Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Richland County Continues to Recover from Flooding
Deep Well Lane in Town of Akan
Photo by Rebecca Wanless Furbish
Richland County Continues to Recover from Flooding
Last week’s flood event caused significant damage to low lying areas in several Richland County townships. Richland County Emergency Management and the Richland County Highway Commissioner are working with other county agencies and the impacted townships to complete damage assessments and determine sources of assistance for those affected.
Current assessments indicated that the county sustained $420,000 in damages during the flooding late last week. These damages, though significant, are unlikely to qualify for FEMA assistance. There may be some funds available through State emergency programs to assist with infrastructure repairs such as to roads and bridges.
This flooding has often been compared to recent flood events throughout the State, such as in Buffalo and Trempealeau counties, as well as the major flooding that hit the region in 2007. Similar to the Richland County flooding, neither Trempealeau nor Buffalo County incurred enough damages to qualify for federal aid. In comparison to the 2007 flooding, there was a significant difference in the assessed damages. While several roads were impacted in the recent flooding, the flooding in 2007 incurred a staggering $5.6 million in damages to buildings and infrastructure.
Though there is unlikely to be financial assistance made available through the State or Federal governments for home owners, individuals who are seeking assistance are encouraged to call Richland County Emergency Management at 647-8187. They may be able to assist you in filing a claim with your insurance, acquiring a cleanup kit if you have not gotten one already, and connecting you to other resources as available. Red Cross cleanup kits have been made available at the Yuba Coop, Turbo’s in Hub City, the Natural Bridge Store in Rockbridge, the Boaz Community Building, and the Richland County Emergency Management office.
Heavy Rain and Floods Increase the Risks of Mosquitoes and the Illnesses They Transmit
Heavy Rain and Floods Increase the Risks of Mosquitoes and the Illnesses They Transmit
Wisconsin residents are urged to remain vigilant preventing mosquito bites
Madison-Recent heavy rain and floods in parts of Wisconsin have made conditions right for increasing the already abundant mosquito population in the state, and that in turn increases the risk for mosquito transmitted illnesses.
“No matter how much rain has fallen in your area, removing standing water from things like gutters and downspouts, tires, garbage cans, or wheelbarrows, and removing debris that can create water pools, are good steps toward controlling the mosquito population where you live,” said Karen McKeown, State Health Officer. “And, of course, using repellant, keeping screens in good repair, and wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants are ways to protect yourself against mosquitoes.”
Mosquitoes are active in Wisconsin at least until the first frost, and their bites can cause illnesses, like West Nile virus (WNV). That virus is already circulating in the state and has been confirmed in 22 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties (See 2016 Surveillance Map), including one confirmed human case and one probable human case, both resulting in hospitalizations. West Nile virus has also been confirmed in dozens of birds and several horses. Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have been detected in the state on 8 separate occasions so far in 2016.
While the majority of people infected with West Nile virus don’t become ill, others may experience fever, rash, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, people can become severely ill with symptoms that can include extreme muscle weakness, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), paralysis and coma. People who are elderly or who have other medical conditions can be especially vulnerable to develop severe symptoms of the illness, which can, though rarely, lead to death.
Another mosquito-transmitted illness, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), was recently confirmed in 2 horses and an emu from separate areas in northern Wisconsin. EEE can also be transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. EEE has symptoms similar to West Nile virus, but is generally much more severe, and may also include neck stiffness, tremors, or confusion. Severe cases, though rare, can include brain inflammation (encephalitis), which can lead to coma, convulsions, and death. Neither EEE nor West Nile virus can be transmitted by person-to-person contact.
Other mosquito-borne viruses that can occur in Wisconsin and cause human illness include: California encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis, Saint Louis encephalitis, and Jamestown Canyon virus. While Zika virus is also transmitted by mosquitoes, it is important to remember that the mosquitos that transmit Zika have not been found in Wisconsin, and confirmed cases of the virus in this state are all travel related.
For more tips on how to reduce mosquito breeding habitats where you live, visit: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/environmental/mosquito-habitat.htm
Additional information on preventing mosquito-transmitted illnesses can be found at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/arboviral/index.htm
Flooding Continues to Impact Richland County
Richland County, WI: The flash flooding that began in the northern part of Richland County on the early morning hours on September 7th is now impacting the City of Richland Center and southern portions of the county along the Pine River.
As of 11:00am this morning, the following roads were closed: State Highway 80 near Rockbridge, County Highway AA, County Highway D at Rockbridge, County Highway N near Ithaca, the intersection of County Highway O and County Highway RC, the intersection of Bohman Drive and County Highway RC, County Highway TB, Industrial Drive, Quarry Drive, Twin Bluffs Road, and Sawmill Road.
Please use caution when traveling in areas of the County that have been impacted by high water. Many roads may still have high water crossing over them or may be covered with mud and flood debris creating hazardous travel conditions. Motorists are also encouraged to be conscientious of road crews who are doing emergency repair work to make roads accessible throughout the impacted area. Remember “Turn around, don’t drown”!
Damage assessments are ongoing. Early estimated damage to public infrastructure is just over $300,000 throughout the entire county. Emergency Management encourages individuals impacted by this flood event to photograph and document any damage to their primary residence. Thorough documentation of damages aids individuals in experiencing a more favorable recovery process. Individuals who wish to report damage to their primary residence may call 608-647-8187.
We encourage the public to monitor their favorite media outlets to stay informed of changing road and weather conditions.
Flash Flood Watch 6/1/2014
Potential for Flash flooding through early Monday afternoon.
Numerous showers and thunderstorms have developed across the Upper Mississippi River Valley Region today, dumping anywhere from 1/4 of an inch to as much as 3 inches per radar estimates as of 2:30 pm. The showers and thunderstorms could diminish briefly this evening, but then another round of showers and storms will roll into the region from the west. From the rest of this afternoon through early Monday afternoon, an additional 1/2 inch to 2 inches of rainfall is possible. This additional rainfall combined with what has fallen may result in flash flooding. [Read more…]