The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced on Apr. 17 that local officials are responding to historic flooding along the Wisconsin River, with rising water levels putting significant pressure on levee systems and threatening a breach in the Portage area. Authorities are especially concerned about the integrity of the Caledonia Levee, located south of Highway 33 near Blackhawk Park.
Officials urged residents in the Blackhawk subdivision to evacuate immediately while roads remain passable. The warning comes as emergency access may soon be cut off. “Emergency vehicles including police, fire and EMS will not be able to reach residents,” said Portage Fire Chief Troy Haase.
A reception center has been set up in the basement of Portage City Hall at 115 W. Pleasant Street for those affected by the evacuation order. Crews continue to monitor levees around-the-clock and are working to extend sandbag blockades as additional rainfall is expected and river levels remain high.
According to NOAA’s National Weather Prediction Service map, officials expect the Wisconsin River to crest later today, but concerns persist about levee stability due to ongoing saturated conditions and forecasted rain.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources manages state parks, trails, forests, and wildlife areas across Wisconsin according to its official website. The agency also enforces environmental laws and regulations statewide according to its official website, while facilitating public input through advisory councils and comment periods on proposed rules according to its official website. Residents can find current flooding updates and evacuation information on the Columbia County Emergency Management website.
