Publication Date July 15, 2016 | Wisconsin Public Radio

Flooding Strands Residents, Cut Off Access In Northern Wisconsin

United States
A church is surrounded by flood waters in the middle of the Bad River reservation in Odanah. Photo: Courtesy of the Bureau of Indian Affairs
A church is surrounded by flood waters in the middle of the Bad River reservation in Odanah. Photo: Courtesy of the Bureau of Indian Affairs

Thursday saw police, road crews and local officials in northern Wisconsin continuing their work restoring services, repairing infrastructure and assessing damage in the wake of heavy rain Monday night that led to days of flooding. The water has yet to recede in some areas with the possibility of more rain in the forecast.

The confirmed loss of life from the flooding has risen to three people.

Major state and federal highways were still impassable on Thursday due to washouts, including sections of U.S. Highways 2, 13 and 63 in northern Wisconsin.

Near the town of Mason in Bayfield County, resident Jack Pennanen said the damage from more than 10 inches of rain is the worst he’s seen in more than 50 years.  He said the washouts on U.S. 63 near Grand View are massive