Wisconsin City Faces Evacuations and Road Closures Due to Flash Flooding
A severe thunderstorm on Friday brought heavy rainfall to Manawa, Wisconsin, causing flash flooding and forcing evacuations. The storm dumped over 5½ inches of rain in just four hours, overwhelming the city’s infrastructure.
The Little Wolf River, swollen by the heavy rainfall, surged over the Manawa Dam, causing a levee to burst. The breach resulted in significant flooding, prompting emergency crews to evacuate residents downstream. The city’s masonic center and high school were opened as shelters, while residents of an assisted-living facility were evacuated to a veterans home in King, regarding 20 miles away.
Video footage captured the river pouring through the broken levee, showcasing the destructive power of the floodwaters. Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were reported. Mayor Mike Frazier, in a news conference, reassured the community that everyone was safe.
The flooding in Manawa is part of a larger trend of extreme weather events in the Midwest. The region has experienced unusually high rainfall since the spring, leading to multiple floods. Last month, torrential rains across Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota caused widespread flooding, including the collapse of a rail bridge connecting South Dakota and Iowa. The Rapidan Dam near Mankato, Minnesota, also failed, washing away at least one home.
The recent flooding in Manawa highlights the increasing vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events. Climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense rainfall, leading to increased risks of flooding and other natural disasters. The saturated ground, a result of months of heavy rainfall, exacerbated the flooding in Manawa, underscoring the importance of addressing climate change and its impact on infrastructure.
The events in Manawa serve as a stark reminder of the need for robust flood mitigation strategies. Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as dam maintenance and levee reinforcement, is crucial to protect communities from the devastating effects of flooding. Furthermore, promoting sustainable land management practices, such as preserving wetlands and reducing impervious surfaces, can help mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding.
The future holds challenges and opportunities in the face of climate change. Communities need to adapt to the changing climate by implementing resilient infrastructure and adopting sustainable practices. By taking proactive steps, we can mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events and ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.
HAPPENING NOW: The U.S. National Weather Service of Green Bay says a dam break on the Little Wolf River below the Manawa…
Posted by NBC26 on Friday, July 5, 2024