OCONTO, Wis. (WFRV) — Following Monday’s significant snowfall, the City of Oconto has issued a flood emergency.
Fire Chief John Reed told Local 5 water is flowing down into the Oconto Falls dams.
Reed explained that the gates of the dams have been lowered as much as possible to slow the flow, and though that may be making a difference, he believes the flooding has the potential to last several days.
“Early reports are that waters may be receding, but the tributaries are still flowing and that may or may not be affecting the situation,” Reed said.
Reed urges people to avoid flooded roads, “Stay off the roads. If you see water don’t drive there.” He says that calls for stranded cars are causing rescue crews to divert focus from dealing with the flood itself.
According to City Administrator Sara Perrizo, there have been three selective, or resident requested, evacuations. These are residents who may live on a flooded street and are not able to leave their homes. Perrizo says that if someone needs to be evacuated to contact the fire department.
The city has been under a flood emergency since around 11:40 p.m. Monday night. Officials are advising traffic to stay off all city roads until the flooding subsides.
Police officers and firefighters will be patrolling the city during the flood emergency.
