Evers declares state of emergency, elevated flood risk

Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order No. 194 yesterday, declaring a state of emergency throughout the state of Wisconsin, as outlined in a press release . The order follows heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt that have contributed to flooding issues in several counties and created the potential for more widespread flooding across the state.  

Above-normal temperatures within the last week have caused the snowpack in northern Wisconsin to decrease rapidly, creating elevated water levels in rivers and watersheds. This has resulted in flooding in low-lying areas and locations with poor drainage. Several rivers and streams have also risen to flood stage and could continue to rise in the coming days. Heavy precipitation in the forecast could produce an additional one to three inches of rain.  

Gov. Evers is directing state agencies, including Wisconsin Emergency Management, the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and the Wisconsin National Guard, to provide assistance should it be requested by local authorities.