River flooding continues across Wisconsin with multiple warnings and watches in effect through the week.
Three Things to Know
- Multiple rivers across southern, western, and central Wisconsin are in minor to moderate flood stage
- The Baraboo and Kickapoo Rivers are the biggest concerns through midweek
- Additional rivers, including the Wisconsin River at Portage, could flood early this week
A Widespread River Flooding Situation
Rivers across Wisconsin are responding to recent heavy rainfall, and the result is a multi-day flooding event impacting several regions of the state.
From southeast Wisconsin to the Driftless Area and into central and northeast Wisconsin, flood warnings are in effect for numerous rivers, with water levels either already above flood stage or expected to rise in the coming days .
This is not a flash flooding situation. Instead, this is a slow-moving river flood event, meaning impacts will linger through much of the week.
“Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas.” – NWS
Baraboo River: The Primary Concern
The Baraboo River is one of the biggest trouble spots right now, especially in Sauk and Columbia Counties.
- Reedsburg: Expected to reach moderate flood stage, with water impacting neighborhoods, streets, and park areas
- Rock Springs: Roads including Highways 136, 154, and DD could see water over them
- Baraboo: Widespread agricultural flooding is expected, with river levels peaking Tuesday
Water levels are rising quickly here, and impacts will be most noticeable through Monday and Tuesday before gradual improvement.
Kickapoo River: Driftless Area Flooding
In western Wisconsin, the Kickapoo River is also seeing multiple flood warnings from La Farge to Gays Mills and Soldiers Grove.
- Soldiers Grove: Park and campground flooding possible
- La Farge: Water over roads including Highway 131
- Gays Mills: Flooding expected to approach moderate levels midweek
This is a classic setup for the Driftless Area, where terrain enhances runoff and river response times.
Southeast Wisconsin: Ongoing River Flooding Issues
Flooding is also ongoing closer to the Milwaukee metro:
- Fox River near New Munster (Kenosha County): Water already impacting homes in low-lying areas, with crests expected Sunday
- Root River Canal at Raymond (Racine County): Flooding impacting parks and agricultural land
These rivers should begin to gradually recede early this week, but impacts continue in the short term.
Central & Northeast Wisconsin Flooding: Rivers Near or Above Bankfull
Further north, several rivers are either flooding or close to it:
- Wolf River (New London & Shiocton): Flooding near homes and roads
- Embarrass River: Near record levels with widespread lowland flooding
- Little Wolf River (Royalton): Minor flooding expected through Tuesday
- Yellow River (Babcock): Flooding in lowland and wooded areas
Water levels here will remain elevated for several days, even where flooding is minor.
Wisconsin River at Portage: Flood Watch
A Flood Watch is in effect for the Wisconsin River at Portage from late Sunday into Friday.
- Forecast levels could reach 18.5 feet by midweek, which would flood roads and low-lying areas near Portage
- Areas like Blackhawk Park and nearby roads could see water impacts
This will be an area to watch closely as upstream water works its way downstream.
Timeline: When Flooing Should Improve
- Sunday–Monday: Rivers continue rising, with several reaching flood stage
- Tuesday–Wednesday: Peak flooding for many locations
- Late Week: Gradual improvement, though some rivers remain elevated
Bottom Line
This is a prolonged river flooding event across Wisconsin, not a quick-hit situation. While most flooding is expected to remain minor to moderate, the impacts are widespread and will last several days.
Avoid flooded roads, stay alert for changing river conditions, and keep an eye on updates as crests move through the state.
