Widespread significant flooding continues

Thunderstorms with heavy rain last night resulted in deadly flash flooding across the region. Rainfall totals were generally 4 to 10 inches, with some isolated higher amounts. There have been 7 confirmed fatalities (5 in Winona County and 2 in Houston County.) The Kickapoo River is above flood stage in La Farge and downstream. It is expected to crest at 12.8 feet later today in La Farge and then fall below flood stage by tomorrow. At Gays Mills, record flooding is predicted, with a crest of 20 feet--higher than the infamous flood of 1978. The Seasbranch dam between Viroqua and Avalanche is reportedly leaking, and residents below that and other dams throughout the county have been told to evacuate. Several towns in Winona and Houston counties in Minnesota have also been evacuated.

Some specific rainfall totals include 6.00 inches in La Farge, 11.75 inches near Stoddard, 10.95 inches near La Crosse, 9.23 inches in Viroqua, 7.86 inches in Viola, 7.17 inches near Westby, 6.40 inches near Valley, and 5.40 inches in Ontario. Follow the link below for the latest rainfall totals and damage reports from the National Weather Service:

http://www.weather.gov/view/prodsByState.php?state=WI&prodtype=public

The flash flood watch continues through this evening, but may have to be extended in some places. Thunderstorms have once again developed over southern Minnesota, and are poised to move across some of the same areas that got heavy rain and extreme flooding last night.