**UPDATE – 10:15am ***
CHS cafeteria is open to the public for any parties displaced. The Main Street bridge is currently closed at this time.
**UPDATE – 10:21am**
Officials with the National Weather Service in Green Bay have issued a potentially life-threatening flash flood warning after an apparent failure at the Big Falls Dam. According to the NWS, emergency management reported the dam’s imminent failure at 10:16 a.m. This raises concerns for rapid and dangerous flooding along the Little Wolf River in Waupaca County.
**UPDATE – 1:29pm**
Clintonville Police Officials continue to tell us here at TCHDailyNews.com that the water level is still rising.
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CLINTONVILLE, WI- Nearly four inches of rain fell overnight, leading to widespread flooding concerns across the city and prompting officials to prepare for possible evacuations while monitoring rising water levels upstream.
“Do not go around barricades,”. “If you see them in place, assume it’s not safe and turn around.”
Police Chief Craig Freitag said police and fire crews are assessing vulnerable areas and making preparations in case evacuations become necessary. Officials are closely tracking water flowing south from Marion, where flooding has already forced some power shutoffs.
“We have been in coordination with Marion city officials, and that water would be coming to Clintonville and we are going to see an increase of water in Clintonville, and we are already underwater.” Freitag said.
Officials also noted the presence of dams in both communities, raising concerns about how increased water flow could affect the river system. Shane Krieger is working alongside police to monitor conditions.
Streets Flooded, Park Submerged
Several streets in Clintonville are underwater, prompting road closures and precautionary evacuation planning near 12th Street and Lyons Street, which are close to the river. Authorities stress that no formal evacuation order has been issued.
WA Olen Park has been submerged, including the baseball diamond located between Seventh Street and Memorial Circle. Rising water also reached trucks parked at a nearby business.
Barricades have been placed on flooded roads, and drivers are being advised to use Highway 10 East to reconnect with Highway 10 and Highway 114 East to avoid impacted areas.
Clintonville schools canceled classes Tuesday because of the flooding, though the child care center and recreation center remained open.
Officials say conditions remain uncertain and are encouraging residents in low-lying areas to move to higher ground as a precaution.
Here is a list of road closures and other closures due to flooding.
Flood Safety Tips
Residents are reminded to stay safe during flooding:
At home
- Avoid rooms where water reaches electrical outlets.
- Leave immediately if you hear buzzing, crackling, popping, or snapping from electrical systems.
- Follow evacuation orders and secure your home before leaving.
Outdoors
- Move to higher ground if you are in a low-lying area.
- Never walk through floodwaters.
In a vehicle
- Do not drive through flooded roads.
- Water depth can be misleading, especially at night, and roadways may be damaged beneath the surface.
Officials continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to watch for updates.
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