NEW LONDON, WI- Travel in and out of New London has become extremely difficult as record-setting flooding continues across Waupaca County, forcing road closures, evacuations, and emergency rerouting throughout the city.
Officials warned during a flood briefing that conditions are expected to continue worsening through Saturday evening, with rising water, severe weather threats, and power outages compounding an already dangerous situation.
City leaders say traveling through New London has become one of the biggest challenges for residents and emergency crews.
“Travel north to south or south to north to cross the river has become extremely difficult and is nearly impossible through the City of New London,” said Zac Van Asten, Wauapca County Emergency Management Director.
Officials say the number of road closures continues to grow as floodwaters rise and infrastructure becomes unstable.
Only One Way In and Out
Access to the city is now extremely limited. Officials say emergency routes originally kept open have now been forced to close due to rising water.
“There’s only really one way in and out right now.”
For those needing to reach the south side of the city, the detour is significant.
“If you need to get to the south side of New London, you have to come up through Reedsfield. There’s not any good way to get around,” Van Asten said.
Authorities are urging people to avoid traveling into New London unless absolutely necessary.
“If you can stay away, please stay away. If you don’t need to come to town, don’t come to town.”
Flooding Expected to Get Worse
The travel challenges come as forecasters warn that the situation is far from over.
Officials say hazardous weather is expected to continue through Saturday evening.
“Expected Rain will continue to worsen the flooding,” Van Asten explained.
The National Weather Service confirmed the river in New London has already reached a new record level. The river is currently at 11.93 feet, with the previous record at 11.83 feet.
“We have not had this amount of water in over 100 years. You’re seeing water in places right now that you’ve never seen it.”
Forecasts show the river could rise even higher. “The forecast has just been updated and now has it coming up to around 12 feet.”
Officials say the river may not crest until Sunday or Monday, meaning travel disruptions could last several more days.
Flood Rescues Increasing
Emergency crews say some residents who chose not to evacuate earlier are now requiring rescue.
“At this point, there are homes that are hard to get to. We were actively working to evacuate people that did not leave, Van Asten said.
Rescue efforts are taking a toll on first responders.
Officials warned that floodwaters could rise above homes in some areas.
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