Kickapoo River expected to flood, Mississippi to get near flood stage

According to the National Weather Service, the Mississippi River at McGregor is predicted to reach 15.9 feet on Oct. 8 due to more rain in northern Wisconsin, Minnesota and throughout the region. The river was at 12.97 feet at 7:45 a.m. on Oct. 1. It was at 13.49 feet at 6:45 a.m. on Oct. 2. Minor flood stage is 16 feet. 

At 16 feet, the Washington Street Bridge to St. Feriole Island begins to flood and is closed. Pumping operations are underway.

The Kickapoo River at Soldiers Grove is predicted to reach near minor flood stage. The river was at 7.48 feet at 7:52 a.m. on Oct. 1. It is predicted to reach 12.7 feet on Oct. 4. Minor flood stage at Soldiers Grove is 13 feet.

At 13 feet, flooding of lowland swamps and farmland near the river occurs. At 14 feet, water may begin to flood the park and campground area in the old section of town.

At Gays Mills, the Kickapoo is predicted to reach 14.1 feet on Oct. 5. It was at 9.62 feet at 8 a.m. on Oct. 1. Minor flood stage is 13 feet. Moderate flood stage is 15 feet.

At 13 feet at Gays Mills, water begins to cover roads near the river, including Sand Hill Road near Bell Center. Minor flooding occurs in areas adjacent to the river, including Robb Park in Gays Mills. At 15 feet, moderate flooding is possible in and around Gays Mills.

At Steuben, the Kickapoo River was at 9.02 feet at 8:45 a.m. on Oct. 1. It was at 11.96 feet at 6:45 a.m. on Oct. 2. It is predicted to reach 12.8 feet on Oct. 4. Minor flood stage at Steuben is 12 feet.

At 12 feet, water starts to affect businesses and residences and minor flooding affects lowlands and lower roads. At 12.5 feet, water reaches the bottom support beams of the bridge. At 13 feet, Bridge Street near the gauge begins to flood and Highway 179 may be threatened.