The waters are starting to recede, and now work is underway to assess the damage from this week’s flooding in northern Wisconsin.
Tod Pritchard with Wisconsin Emergency Management says it will be awhile before they know the extent of the repairs that will be needed. In some areas, flood waters remain high, limiting access and hindering recovery efforts.
In Bayfield and Douglas Counties, over 350 homes so far have reported some type of flood damage. Pritchard says that ranges from just a few inches of water in a basement to several feet. Although, he notes any level of flooding can be devastating to a family.
Roads and other infrastructure have also seen extensive damage, with closures still in effect in many locations. Pritchard urges those traveling in the area to check the state’s 511 system before heading out, which can be checked over the phone or online. He says some roads are still covered by water or debris, so closures are changing constantly as new damage is discovered.
For now, officials say it’s too soon to determine what the financial impact of the flooding could end up being.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:01)