OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – It’s been a day of urgency and uncertainty for communities dealing with historic flooding in northeast Wisconsin.
Authorities across northeast Wisconsin share one common message amid ongoing flooding
With water levels reaching a record high of 15.1 feet, and continuing to rise, many Shiocton residents call this a ‘once in a lifetime’ moment.
“Probably the craziest thing I’ve ever seen, I had to get a generator, and help my grandpa with that, and he said it’s the craziest thing he’s ever seen, and he’s 65,” Shiocton resident, Hunter Austin.
For residents living in Shiocton, their lives have completely stopped, as residents told Local 5 they are frustrated and are afraid to leave their homes due to the safety of their property.
Over 100 people gathered at the Elington Community Center to help sandbag for those affected by flooding. Residents like Jesse Kromm in Green Bay came down to help with efforts.
“I grew up in this area with friends and family, and I just wanted to help,” Kromm said. “I have the day off, so I just wanted to do what I can and help these individuals out.”
Officials say the response from the community is growing by the hour.
“[We filled] 20,000 sandbags, roughly, yesterday,” Ellington Fire Captain Kurt Krupka said. “We are looking to exceed that today, assuming we have enough bags to do so.”
And while the work continues, so do concerns. With severe weather still in the forecast, people fear that things will get worse before getting better.
Flood ravaged communities prepare for things to get worse
“I can only imagine what these people are dealing with in New London and Shiocton, and my emotions and heart go out to them,” Kromm said.
