Heavy weather ravages our area

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – Storms went through the area Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10, causing damage and flooding in many areas.

On Saturday, Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgeson reported a severe thunderstorm moved across the county around midday. As a result, injuries were reported when a tree fell on a person while hiking on a trail in the Kickapoo Valley Reserve.

The rescue was affected from Richard Road in the town of Stark. There was also several reports of downed trees and power poles, as well as road blockage from debris. The majority of damage was reported in the Viroqua, La Farge and Westby areas. Saturday, during the overnight hours, and into Sunday morning, flooding was the issue from heavy rains that fell throughout the state.

At 10:05 Sunday morning, it was reported that three to five inches of rain had fallen in Northern Grant County, prompting a Flash Flood Warning for that region. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office urged residents not to travel as road conditions became dangerous.

The 911 center received numerous calls and activated Emergency Management, the Highway Department, and local fire departments. The county’s Swiftwater Rescue Team was also on standby. Officials recommended checking in with family members in the affected areas. In Iowa County, it was reported that Iowa County Emergency Management warned drivers to use caution after heavy rain left debris in roadways and caused washouts in some areas.

The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office says parts of State Road 80 near the Village of Avoca had debris, and sections of the road washed away. In Richland Center the rain subsided during the late Sunday morning hours. At that time a total of 1.78” had fallen at the WRCO studios from the storm system. Weather on Monday, August 11 should be better.

Great Lakes Weather predicts variably cloudy skies with isolated showers or thunderstorms possible throughout the day.

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