Clintonville, WI—The city of Clintonville is grappling with severe flooding after relentless heavy rains inundated the area overnight, submerging streets, homes, and businesses. Emergency officials have declared a state of emergency as water levels continue to rise, prompting widespread evacuations and disrupting daily life across the community.
According to the National Weather Service, Clintonville received more than 8 inches of rainfall in the past 24 hours, overwhelming storm drains and causing the Pigeon River to breach its banks. Residents awoke to find roads impassable, vehicles stranded, and basements rapidly filling with water.
City officials have set up emergency shelters at local schools and community centers to accommodate displaced families. Fire and rescue teams, aided by the Wisconsin National Guard, are conducting water rescues and assisting those trapped by floodwaters. Power outages have been reported in several neighborhoods, and authorities are urging residents to avoid travel and seek higher ground.
Mayor Susan Peterson addressed the media this morning, stating, “This is the worst flooding event Clintonville has seen in decades. Our first priority is the safety of our residents. Please heed evacuation orders and stay tuned to official channels for updates.”
The Red Cross and local volunteer organizations are mobilizing to provide food, water, and supplies to affected citizens. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but city leaders warn that the recovery process could take weeks.
Meteorologists caution that more rain is possible later this week, raising concerns about further flooding. Residents are encouraged to monitor weather alerts and follow instructions from emergency management officials as the situation continues to unfold.
