After a day or two of drier weather, area communities can expect to be hit with another round of rain April 17.
The National Weather Service in Green Bay predicts that despite of a high of 75 degrees April 17, there is a 30% chance of showers during the day, showers and possibly a thunderstorm from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. April 18 and more showers after that.
There is a chance of rain showers before 1 p.m. April 18, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers from 1-4 p.m., followed by a slight chance of snow showers after 4 p.m.
In Shiocton in Outagamie County, an evacuation order for all village residents was issued April 15 due to widespread flooding.
In Shawano County, some progress was noted as water levels dropped significantly on the Wolf River at the Balsam Row Road Dam from April 14 to April 16.
Sand berms were installed on each side of the dam to force any flood water to go over the concrete dam and not alongside it onto the shore.
“We are feeling much more comfortable with where things stand right now and are optimistic that levels will continue trending in the right direction,” the sheriff’s department reported April 16. “We will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates, if needed.”
In Oconto County, flood warnings remain in effect.
The Oconto River water level was measured at 10.92 feet at 11 a.m. April 16 and at 11.39 feet at 2 p.m. April 14, according to the National Water Prediction Service, which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The forecast calls for the Oconto River water level to subside starting the morning of April 17.
The river was recorded as 6.7 feet deep a week ago on April 11.
According to the NWS, thunderstorms, some potentially severe with locally heavy rain, will impact the area April 17. Hazards include large hail, a few tornadoes and damaging winds. Flooding may occur — especially in urban areas and locations already impacted by heavy rain earlier in the week.
Flooding will occur on some area rivers and streams into next week.
In Keshena, the intersection of County Road VV and state Highway 47-55 is submerged; rising waters from the Wolf River are impacting nearby homes and businesses.
Coincidentally, to help encourage everyone to be prepared for tornadoes, thunderstorms and flooding, Gov. Tony Evers signed a proclamation declaring April 13-17 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin.
However, the annual statewide tornado drills scheduled for April 16 ended up being canceled in light of recent severe weather events that have impacted communities across Wisconsin. There will not be an alternative date for these drills.
The decision comes as emergency management, local agencies and people are actively responding and recovering from the impacts of these recent storms.
It was determined that proceeding with the scheduled drills would have placed additional strain on already stretched resources as many communities continue dealing with storm impacts, assessing damage and supporting affected family members and loved ones.
looding of the Wolf River in Keshena led to the closure of the intersection of state Highway 47-55 and County Road VV. (Menominee Tribal Communication Department)
