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Wisconsin River Flood Update – April 28, 2026 2:00PM

4/28/2026

LATEST UPDATES

  • Both the Department of Natural Resources and Columbia County are providing updates. Please click here to view the latest information from the DNR and visit Emergency Management’s website for additional updates as they become available.
  • The Wisconsin River level is 13.90 feet.
  • The National Weather Service is currently forecasting that Wisconsin River levels will continue to decline from a high of 20.47 Feet on April 17. 
  • All members of the public are advised to refrain from boating, swimming, or otherwise entering the Wisconsin River due to increased water levels, faster currents, and the presence of debris beneath the surface.
  • Residents are advised to refrain from playing in or entering flood waters in streets or other public open areas.

POST FLOOD RECOVERY

Home

  • Due to the prolonged duration of floodwaters in residential areas, Columbia County Health and Human Services is offering well-water testing for impacted wells. Visit Columbia County's website or call 608-742-9227 for information.
  • Residents whose structures were damaged are asked to call 211 or use the online 211 form to report damage to their homes, mobile homes, apartments, or businesses. This helps local agencies identify impacted areas and plan damage assessments. Please note that staff will not contact homeowners or conduct detailed site inspections like insurance adjusters.
  • Don’t get sick from eating spoiled food. Throw out food that got wet or warm. When in doubt, throw it out!
  • Stay away from floodwaters. They may contain runoff, sharp items, and chemicals that can make you ill.
  • If your home was flooded:
    • If possible, dry your home and everything in it as quickly as you can within 24 to 48 hours.
    • If you cannot return to dry your home within 24 to 48 hours, you should assume you have mold growth. When it is safe to return home, completely dry everything, clean up the mold and make sure you don’t still have a moisture problem.
    • Keep wet areas well-ventilated. Throw away wet materials that can’t be repaired or dried.

Take Care of Yourself

  • It's normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety.
  • Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
  • You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

ROAD CLOSURES UPDATES

The following streets within and near the City of Portage will be closed due to flooding. 

  • Levee Road west of Highway 33

Information on additional road closures in Columbia County is available here.

GENERAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES

  1. Columbia County Press Release Website for Updates
  2. National Weather Service WI River Gauge
  3. Columbia County Flood Fight Handbook
  4. WI Department of Health Services Information
  5. WI Department of Natural Resources Coping with Flooding Information

In the event of an emergency, residents are advised to call 911.

If residents need a sump pump for their home, please contact Columbia County Emergency Management at (608) 742-9890 for information on available resources.

City staff are actively monitoring weather conditions and river levels and are prepared to respond as needed. Updates as necessary will be shared on the City’s website and social media channels as nessesary.