MANAWA, Wis. — Public officers in Manawa, Wis., alerted the group to harmful flash flooding within the space Friday.
The Nationwide Climate Service (NWS) then issued a flash flood warning for central Waupaca County. The warning is in place till 9:30 p.m. Friday.
The Manawa Police Division stated first responders seen the dam had began eroding. As of 4 p.m. Friday, the dam in Manawa alongside the Little Wolf River was intact, however officers stated there was important erosion on its north facet. This led to the draining of Manawa Mill Pond throughout Bridge Road.
The gates of the dam had been opened to alleviate water strain and forestall a disaster, police stated. As of 4 p.m. Friday, public officers stated they had been persevering with to observe the dam.
“The structural integrity of the dam itself stays intact, and there’s no speedy hazard of collapse. Nevertheless, because of the substantial erosion, it’s anticipated that the mill pond will proceed to empty till the state of affairs stabalizes,” town stated.
The bridge alongside Freeway 22, police stated, seems to be secure for journey. As soon as it’s cleared and clear it should reopen.
Metropolis officers stated everybody who lives downriver of the dam was notified they wanted to evacuate. The evacuation was prolonged north, alongside Freeway 22.
“Transfer to increased floor NOW,” NWS stated. “Act rapidly to guard your life. Pay attention to your environment and don’t drive on flooded roads.”
Officers arrange an emergency shelter for anybody who wants a secure place to remain at Little Wolf Excessive College (515 E. Fourth St.) and the Manawa Masonic Lodge (520 N. Bridge St.).
The Crimson Cross of Wisconsin is at the highschool. Volunteers are offering water and are working to deal with speedy wants of these displaced from their properties.
“Because of the quantity of water the dam isn’t secure,” the Manawa Police Division stated on its Fb web page.
Police stated those that dwell alongside the evacuation route and haven’t but discovered one other place to shelter are suggested to shelter in place.
Manawa Mayor Mike Frazier stated there have been no accidents or deaths reported because of the climate circumstances within the space.
An space nursing house has been flooded and evacuated.
Police stated there are additionally plans to evacuate Manawa Group Dwelling Heart to the King Veteran’s Dwelling.
In accordance with town, vehicles on roads have been flooded. Union Road, North Bridge Road, Howard Road, Beech Road and Industrial Drive are all flooded.
Yards and different streets are anticipated to flood, too.
Drivers are suggested to keep away from touring on any of town’s roads.
All entrances to town of Manawa, about 55 miles west of Inexperienced Bay, even have been blocked, town stated in a submit on its Fb web page.
“Please don’t attempt to drive into town or across the metropolis,” the submit learn. “Automobiles are being flooded on the roads across the metropolis. Union Road is flooded. N. Bridge Road is flooded. Beech Road is washed away. Howard Road is flooded. Industrial Drive is flooded.”
“Due to the quantity of rain we’re receiving … there will likely be flooding within the streets and yards,” the submit continued. “It’s in all places within the metropolis.”
Because of the floods, public well being officers issued a Boil Water Advisory for Manawa and surrounding communities. Which means that folks ought to boil tapwater earlier than consuming it; metropolis officers stated when such an advisory is issued, “the general public ought to assume the water is unsafe to drink as a result of its contaminants.”
Officers stated water ought to be boiled at a full rolling boil for a minimum of 5 minutes whether it is for use for consuming, meals preparation or ice. Ice and drinks made utilizing unboiled tapwater ought to be thrown away and never consumed. Officers suggested utilizing bottled water for consuming, cooking and brushing enamel. Boiled water shouldn’t be used for infants or expectant mothers — they need to use bottled water.
Public well being offiicals stated they issued this as a precautionary measure till water testing might be carried out to verify the world’s tapwater is secure to drink.
Public well being officers additionally advised the group it was not suggested to wade within the water, because it may very well be contaminated. Those that have been within the floodwaters ought to be certain they’re updated on vaccinations and wash themselves with cleaning soap and clear water.
Rain began this morning at about 8:30 a.m. About 5 inches fell inside a couple of hours. Police stated by midmorning that they had obtained a number of reviews of stranded motorists in want of assist, issues floating within the roads and roads not being satisfactory. There have been additionally reviews of flooding in properties. Police stated they referred to as in for extra sources presently.
“It simply would not cease raining in and across the Manawa space,” meteorologist Scott Cultice stated. “That they had water rescues. Many of the downtown roads had been flooded.”
“We simply cannot eliminate the rain,” he added. “It is simply not shifting, simply stalling.”
The town stated hearth personnel, police and metropolis crew members are at present working within the space to assist guarantee public security as flooding continues.
The climate service warned that the rain, and presumably thunderstorms, may happen by means of the weekend and into early subsequent week. Many group occasions for Friday and the weekend have been referred to as off because of the floods.
Assessments will happen over the subsequent a number of days.