Gov. Evers declares State of Emergency due to flooding concerns

On Tuesday, Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency throughout Wisconsin following heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt. Several counties are dealing with flooding issues with the threat of additional widespread flooding across the state.

Gov. Evers signed Executive Order #194 on Tuesday. The Order directs all state agencies to assist as needed and calls the Wisconsin National Guard to be ready to help assist civil authorities.

“Protecting Wisconsinites from potential major flood impacts is a serious concern for our state, especially as the water levels could continue to rise in the coming days,” Gov. Evers said in a news release. “This executive order instructs state agencies and the Wisconsin National Guard to provide assistance should the need arise and helps ensure resources are available to assist with response and recovery efforts.”

Gov. Evers is directing state agencies, including Wisconsin Emergency Management, the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and the Wisconsin National Guard, to provide assistance should it be requested by local authorities.

Warm weather last week caused a fast melting of the snowpack across northern Wisconsin, creating rising water levels in rivers and watersheds. Some roadways and culverts have been damaged. Additional precipitation is forecast, to add to the already swollen rivers and streams.

A copy of Executive Order #194 can be found here.