Stateline Areas Experiencing Isolated Flooding

Updated: Thu 2:03 PM, Mar 14, 2013

STATELINE (WIFR) – Areas of the Stateline have issued advisory statements concerning locations that are dangerous due to flooding:

STEPHENSON COUNTY The Pecatonica river level at Freeport at 9:30 AM was 13.67 and holding (flood stage is 13.0 ft.). National Weather Service crest prediction is 14.2 ft. for Friday morning on the 15th of March. At 13.67 feet, minor flooding of streets on the east and north end of Freeport occur. Once crested, the Pecatonica River at Freeport will drop slowly and remain above flood stage for at least eight (8) days, then start a slow fall if no further precipitation or melting of snow occurs.

The river level at Winslow / Martin Town was 17.25 feet and holding steady (flood stage is 13.50 ft.) National Weather Service crest prediction is for 17.40 feet for later this afternoon. At 17.25 feet minor flooding of roads and some streets in the Winslow area will occur.

The National Weather Service predicts little or no precipitation for the next seven days.

ROCK COUNTY A flood warning remains in effect for the Rock County area at this time, specifically on the Sugar River. While the National Weather Service in Sullivan has anticipated water levels will continue to fall, we are still experiencing flooding to lowland areas and agricultural land throughout the county. Several roads remain closed due to high waters or roadway damage.

At this time, the following areas are still being monitored:

• West Keesey Rd. between S. Dickey Rd and CTH T – Closed due to a large sink hole.
• North Emerald Grove Rd. - Between CTH M and East Six Corners Rd. – Closed due to high waters but currently frozen over.
• East Rotamer Rd. – Between North Henke Rd. and North Milton Shopiere Rd. – Closed due to high waters but currently frozen over.
• Sugar River Park – Continued flooding

The following areas have improved significantly:

• Turtle Creek – Beloit and Clinton. Water levels in both areas have receded at this time.
• Sugar River – Forecasts indicate the Sugar River will continue to fall to below flood stage by Friday afternoon.

The following are additional areas of concern in Rock County:

• West Beloit – Newark Rd. – Between South Avon Store Rd and South Hopkins Rd. – Closed due to high waters
• E. CTH A and North Scharine Rd – Use caution at this time due to significant water on roadways

The Rock County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to avoid traveling across high waters on roadways and continue to report any roads they come across that are impassable. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

Stephenson County The residents along the Yellow Creek tributary west of Walnut Road should be on the alert for the possibility of quickly rising flood waters.

There are signs of a possible ice jam on Yellow Creek near Walnut Road, which could cause waters to the west to rise quickly.
Yellow Creek is anticipated to crest tomorrow approximately between 12:00 noon and 6:00 PM.

Beloit Due to the extreme fluctuation in the weather and the frost level underground, several areas of the City of Beloit are experiencing isolated flooding. Most of the flooding is adjacent to Turtle Creek and low-lying areas.

Some portions of Turtle Creek are moving quite rapidly. The City of Beloit’s Emergency Preparedness Team urges residents to avoid any recreational activities near Turtle Creek or the Rock River, especially canoeing and kayaking. Ice dams have formed on Turtle Creek and the public is reminded that they are extremely volatile and dangerous.

If you are concerned about flooding near your property, residents may pick up sandbags and/or sand at the Department of Public Works’ Operations facility located at 2351 Springbrook Court between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. this week.

The City will continue to send updates as more information become available.

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