Central Wisconsin Recovers From Weekend Storms
Sunday, July 21st, 2019 -- 10:29 AM
The area continues to clean up after storms pounded the area Friday night and Saturday mid- morning.On Saturday at about 9:45 am the Clark County Dispatch received a call of an overturned semi on Highway 73 south of Neillsville. It is believed that a wind gust in excess of 60 mph struck the truck causing the trailer to be lifted off the roadway swinging the tail of the trailer eastward and breaking off a utility pole and then leaving the vehicle lying on its right side mostly in the ditch and the shoulder of the roadway. Highway 73 was closed for about 2 hours Saturday evening while the semi was removed. The condition of the driver is unknown at this time.
Much of the area was without electricity for several hours Saturday morning as well. Both Ecel Energy and Clark Electric customers were affected. Some areas in Clark County remain without power this morning. Neither company is giving estimates as to when service will be restored.
The City of Wisconsin Rapids sustained damage as well. Mayor Zach Vruwink has issued a disaster declaration due to the extensive power outages and damage. City officials say it could be days before all power and infrastructure will be back to normal there.
The City of Black River Falls is dealing with minor flooding today. At 8 am the Black River at Black river Falls was 2.8 feet above flood stage. The river level is expected to begin to recede later today and be below flood stage by noon tomorrow.
The Village of Babcock in Wood County will experience widespread flooding of woodland and agricultural areas today as the Yellow River there is expected to crest at 2.5 feet above flood stage late today and begin to recede by midday tomorrow.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.