ALGOMA - Floods again rose over parts of Kewaunee County after steady — and, at times, torrential — rain fell through most of the day Wednesday, and officials are concerned, with rain in the forecast after sunset Thursday.
The entire county, along with the southern half of the state, is under a flash flood watch from the National Weather Service through Friday morning because of possible heavy rainfall overnight. It was under an areal flood warning, a more gradual rise in flood waters, Wednesday.
Algoma was hit with flooding on the south side of the Ahnapee River, where Public Works Director Matt Murphy said six or seven city blocks around Perry Street/Kewaunee County M were under 18 to 24 inches of water for about eight hours. He didn't have an official number for the amount of rain that fell Wednesday but said he'd received reports ranging from 2.5 to 4 inches.
"It's the usual spot (for flooding)," Murphy said.
Sheriff Matt Joski said Kewaunee County AB was closed where it passes over the Kewaunee River in Frog Station, just north of County K, because of the river's rise.
Joski said water covered some other county highways and rural roads, mainly from culverts and drainage ditches, but not enough to require closure. He said that drivers still need to exercise caution when encountering flooded roads, even if the water depth is just a few inches, because of possible hydroplaning.
The flood danger continues because the ground already was saturated by recent rain and municipal sewer systems are trying to move large amounts of water.
Most forecasts for Thursday predicted mostly dry skies during the day, maybe a spotty shower, but another round of storms is expected to drop 1 to 2 more inches of rain between sunset and Friday's sunrise.
Regarding precautions for the overnight weather, Murphy said the city hired a contractor to help pump water from flooded areas, and it'll remain on site through Friday in case it's needed again.
"The only other thing, pray it doesn't rain," Murphy said.
Contact Christopher Clough at 920-741-7952, 920-562-8900 or cclough@doorcountyadvocate.com.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Kewaunee County under flash flood watch with more heavy rain forecast overnight
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