Wisconsin River drops slowly, easing flooding conditions
By APWednesday, September 29, 2010
River drops slowly, easing Wis. flood conditions
MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin River is dropping, promising relief for the state’s flood-weary south-central section.
The river started overflowing its banks Saturday after heavy rains to the north flowed downstream. The river poured around a levee and flooded low-lying areas in the town of Caledonia, just outside Portage. Dozens evacuated.
The river peaked at 20.6 feet on Monday, about 3 feet above flood stage.
State emergency officials say the river is dropping about an inch an hour, but many homes remained inaccessible Wednesday.
Preliminary damage reports indicate 130 homes in Caledonia sustained damage. Statewide, flooding has damaged 372 homes, destroyed three homes and damaged 57 business.
