Wisconsin Governor Doyle Declares State of Emergency for 29 Wisconsin Counties

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Widespread Flooding Throughout Wisconsin Causes Road Closures and Evacuations

June 09, 2008 -- MADISON – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle tonight declared a state of emergency for 29 counties due to severe storms and flooding.

Flooding in Milwaukee area, Wisconsin, June 2008: Photo by Tracy Apps (CC)

The counties include: Adams, Calumet, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Lafayette, LaCrosse, Marquette, Milwaukee, Monroe, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, and Winnebago Counties.

The Governor’s declaration allows Wisconsin’s Adjutant General, Brigadier General Don Dunbar to activate National Guard troops to assist the affected counties as necessary. Six soldiers and three high profile vehicles were deployed Sunday evening to assist with evacuation of a mobile home park in Ontario, Vernon County. This was the only request but the National Guard’s Joint Operations Center is activated to coordinate any additional request for support.

The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated since Saturday afternoon. Members of the Wisconsin State Patrol have been assessing road damage throughout southwestern Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has been responding to requests from counties for personnel to assist with sandbagging and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been monitoring dams throughout Wisconsin.

The Governor’s declaration is a result of the widespread flooding and severe storms that have occurred throughout the state causing damage to homes and businesses, washing out numerous roads and bringing down power lines and trees. There have been no reports of serious injuries or death.

Source: Wisconsin Governor