A dam in the town of Manawa in eastern Wisconsin has been breached, leading to the evacuation of downstream residents, as confirmed by the National Weather Service on Friday. The breach occurred around 1:45 p.m. due to floodwaters from the Little Wolf River, according to meteorologist Scott Cultice. Manawa, with a population of approximately 1,200, faced uncertainty regarding the number of evacuees.
Manawa Police Chief Jason Severson reported that a 50-foot-wide (15.2-meter-wide) section around the dam had eroded following the breach. Authorities responded by opening the dam gates to alleviate pressure on the structure.
Severson expressed some relief by stating, “It looks like the dam is intact, but there is quite a bit of erosion on the north side.” He mentioned ongoing assessments to determine next steps.
Due to escalating erosion, some residents had to be evacuated from their homes, Severson mentioned. The town experienced continuous heavy rainfall starting at 8:30 a.m., resulting in about 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) of rain within a short period. A flash flood alert was raised for Manawa and other parts of Waupaca County. Cultice remarked on the persistent rain causing water rescues and substantial flooding across downtown areas.
Emergency shelters were arranged at a local high school and masonic center to assist those affected by the unfolding situation. Concerns regarding the safety of the dam led to a cautionary statement by the Manawa Police Department on social media, emphasizing that the structure was no longer secure.
Furthermore, access points to Manawa, situated about 55 miles (88 kilometers) west of Green Bay, were cordoned off to prevent unnecessary travel into or around the city due to flooded roads and potentially hazardous conditions. The National Weather Service forecasted continued rain and the possibility of thunderstorms persisting throughout the weekend and into the following week.
