Wisconsin River to crest near Portage

PORTAGE, WI (CBS 58) –The Wisconsin River reached major flood stage near Portage Saturday afternoon and is expected to crest mid-day Sunday. A Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Incident Management Team continues to monitor levees and consult with dam safety engineers to ensure the safety of personnel on the levees and the public.

The river is expected to crest at 20 feet, a little below the record of 20.6 feet that occurred in 2010. Residents in affected areas were evacuated yesterday and Levee Road remains closed.

Residents and the public should continue to monitor DNR, Columbia and Sauk County Emergency Management and local press releases, websites and social media for updates.

Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Portage United Methodist Church at 1804 New Pinery Road for those displaced by the flooding. If you have questions regarding evacuating or need immediate assistance, contact the Columbia County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center at 608-742-4166 Extension 1.

Sandbags and sand are available to the public to fill at the Columbia County Highway Shop located at 338 West Old Highway 16, Wyocena.   The City of Portage has sand and sandbags available to fill for City of Portage residents at Sunset Park on Sunset Street.

A listing of Columbia County Road Closures is located at http://www.co.columbia.wi.us under “Public Interest”. This will be updated as impacted roads are closed. Do  not attempt to drive through standing water in roadways. If you come across a roadway that is covered with water that has not been closed/barricaded, contact the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 608-742-4166 extension 1, to report the location so appropriate action can be taken.

Persons with questions may contact the Columbia County Emergency Management Office at (608) 742-4166 Ext. 1308 or 1309.