Wisconsin Flooding: State of Emergency Declared

METRO MILWAUKEE, WI — Governor Scott Walker has declared a State of Emergency for Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth Counties following damaging storms that caused widespread flooding across the southeast region.

“I have instructed state agencies and the Wisconsin National Guard to help those affected by the flooding and to continue to provide resources to assist with the response and recovery efforts," Walker stated Thursday morning.

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State of Emergency Declared in Racine County

Many homes and businesses have been impacted by flooding. Sandbagging efforts continue throughout the region. So far, there have been no reports of fatalities.

Between 6-8 inches of rain fell overnight Tuesday causing widespread flooding. The heavy rains resulted in several rivers to rise to above major flood stage including the Fox River.

The Fox River at Burlington crested Thursday morning at a record 16.1 feet and will crest later today at New Munster in Kenosha County.

The Fox River is expected to remain above major flood stage throughout the weekend.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Janesville) said he is coming to the area to survey the damage himself:

Burlington Underwater

The City and Town of Burlington, Wis. were hit particularly hard, as severe flooding along the Fox River basin caused mass evacuations in the area. In addition, just over 50 percent of all residents served by the power company WE Energies, a total of about 9,200 customers, were without power as of Thursday midday.

Burlington has been without power and telephone service, which is slowly being restored to parts of the Burlington community since Wednesday. Several streets and all bridges remain closed and are law enforcement are on hand to monitor traffic.Sandbags are being filled and distributed to the community.

Mayor Jeannie Hefty has issued a citywide curfew for both vehicles and pedestrians from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for safety reasons. “We continue to monitor this whole situation closely. Our hope is that we get no further rain, no further damage, and that our residents have a peaceful night”.

Watch: Severe Storms, Flooding Strike Parts Of Midwest

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image via city of burlington, wis.