The latest projections from the National Weather Service have the river reaching a level at or near 23.7 feet early by Saturday, April 29, 2023. Additionally, we have information we may have crest between 24.0 to 25.3 between April 29th to May 2nd. This would be just shy of the record 25.38.
Mayor Dave Hemmer, Congressmen Derrick Van Orden, Sheriff Dale McCullick and City Administrator Chad Abram met and briefed the Congressmen on the flood. Later Congressmen Van Orden and his staff were taken by boat to see the devastation that flooding has occurred already on St. Feriole Island. Congressmen Van Orden stated he will continue to monitor the flooding in Crawford County and along the Mississippi and communicate weekly with the Mayor Dave Hemmer.
The shelter facility will be Hoffman Recreational Center for those who wish to use it if they experience flood water in their residence. For all those requesting the evacuation site contact Crawford County Emergency at 608-326-0266. In the event a resident decides to evacuate please contact Madison Gas and Electric 1-800-245-1125 and Alliant Energy 1-800-255-4268.
We received bottled water for all those who need some that are affected by the flood. The water will be available at Hoffman Hall Recreation Center and the Tourist Information Center.
As the river continues to rise, we encourage pedestrians and bicycles to not travel on St. Feriole Island.
On Monday, April 24 the Prairie du Chien High School students will be volunteering to assist any residents needing assistance.
Due to a higher predicted river stage, the wastewater department is asking that all people that are or will be receiving flood water into their basement, that they place a plastic bag and a couple sandbags over their floor drain to prevent flood waters from entering into the sanitary sewer line.
A slow no wake will be in effect as well in all flooded navigable waters in the City of Prairie du Chien.
SANDBAG OPERATIONS – Bags have been filled and delivered to the location at the corner of East Washington St. and North Ohio St. Those who need sandbags and have no reasonable means of picking them up contact should call the PDC Chamber of Commerce 608-326-8555, in the event of emergency call 911. Municipalities and townships who need sandbags should contact their chief elected official. The city and county are looking for volunteers who would be willing to place sandbags around the city and Crawford County. Please call 326-0266 if you would like to volunteer.
Thank you to Prairie Sand and Gravel, Pattison Sand and Croell Ready Mix for the donation of sand for the flood event.
ENTERING RESTRICTED AREAS – The following rules apply in both the City of Prairie du Chien and throughout Crawford County:
1. You can receive permits, at no cost, at Prairie du Chien City Hall between 8 AM and 4:30 PM.
2. All permits will be approved prior to issuance.
3. Permits are required for any businesses located or operating in the restricted area.
4. Upon entering any restricted area, you must call the Crawford County Dispatch Center (608-326-8414) and state your name, contact number in case of emergency, the length of time and purpose for being in the restricted area.
5. Upon leaving, you must notify the Dispatch Center that you are leaving the restricted area.
6. Each time a person enters and leaves a restricted area, they are responsible for moving the barricades that are blocking the road. For example, when you arrive, move barricade, drive through, and then immediately stop and replace the barricades behind you. Repeat the process when exiting as well.
7. If a business is surrounded by flood waters, the permits do not allow for pedestrian or vehicular traffic through the flood waters.
8. Access by boats is permissible at your own discretion, BUT law enforcement/fire personnel will not transport by boat. Please keep in mind a slow no-wake is in effect for all waters under the jurisdiction of the city of Prairie du Chien.
9. VIOLATIONS OF THESE RULES COULD RESULT IN PENALTIES OR REVOCATION OF FURTHER ACCESS TO RESTRICTED AREAS.
SANDBAG OPERATIONS – Bags have been filled and delivered to the location at the corner of East Washington St. and North Ohio St. Those who need sandbags and have no reasonable means of picking them up contact should call the EOC at 326-0266. Municipalities and townships who need sandbags should contact their chief elected official. The city and county are looking for volunteers who would be willing to place sandbags around the city and Crawford County. Please call 326-0266 if you would like to volunteer.
STREET CLOSURES CURRENTLY IN EFFECT
- North Main St is closed from Frederick St to West Court St
- Washington Street from North Beaumont to North Main Street
- 1st from West Wells Street to West Brunson Street
- Lockwood Street to the Campion Boat Landing
- All of St. Feriole Island