Weather Service warns of flash flooding in northwestern Wisconsin

HAYWARD — A flash flood warning was in effect for much of northwestern Wisconsin until early Tuesday morning, July 12th.

Officials with the National Weather Service office in Duluth, Minnesota, said they received reports from law enforcement of many state, county and local roads under water in the warned area. They said between six to nine inches of rain has fallen with an additional two to four inches expected through 2:00 a.m. in some areas.

The excess rainfall resulted in widespread road closures and wash outs across northern Wisconsin. Communities impacted include Minong, Hayward, Cable, Drummond, Ashland, Odanah and Hurley.

Below is a statement from the Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center on the flooding:

Heavy rain fell Monday night and continued Tuesday morning causing flash flooding. Counties impacted include Ashland, Bayfield, Sawyer, Washburn, Price, Iron, and Douglas. Several areas from Minong to Cable to northern Iron County received 8-12 inches of rain causing flash flooding. Strong winds caused downed trees and power lines during the storms. The National Weather Service expects dry weather in northern Wisconsin for the next day.

There were 33 people that were trapped on Michigan Island in Lake Superior off Saxon Harbor in Iron County. As of 10:30 a.m., 20 people had been rescued. The rest are being rescued now. There were no injuries. Also at Saxon Harbor 85 boats were damaged or destroyed.

Numerous roads and highways are damaged and closed. State and county engineers are evaluating bridges and roads. Below are the major road closures:

Ashland County: U.S. Highway 2 at Sum Road, U.S. Highway 2 at Denomie Creek, and WIS 13 at Silver Creek and Trout Brook

Bayfield County: WIS 137 at Whipperfurth Road, U.S Highway 63 at Twentymile Creek

Iron County: WIS 122 at U.S Highway 2

Washburn County: Portions of WIS 77 and U.S. Highway 53 north of Palmer Drive

The National Weather Service – Twin Cities – is looking at possible tornado damage that may have occurred early Tuesday morning. Officials are reporting downed trees in Ellsworth and north of Chippewa Falls with a home with roof damage.

There is a chance of thunderstorms Tuesday. For Wednesday, severe thunderstorms are expected between noon and 6 p.m. for south of I-90. The National Weather Service says the storm could produce large hail, damaging winds and threat of isolated tornadoes.

The State Emergency Operations Center is elevated to Level 3 with Wisconsin Emergency Management, WI National Guard, WI Department of Transportation, WI State Patrol, WI Department of Administration, WI Department of Natural Resources, and WI Department of Health Services. WEM Regional offices are on scene working with county emergency management agencies.

The National Weather Service is reminding motorists not to travel through standing water or moving water.

Anyone camping near a stream, creek or river was urged to move to higher ground immediately.