People evacuated in southeastern Wisconsin community after floodwaters breach dam

MANAWA, Wisconsin — A dam in a southeastern Wisconsin community has burst and people living downstream have been evacuated, the National Weather Service reported Friday.

The dam in Manawa along the Little Wolf River broke due to floodwaters around 1:45 p.m., meteorologist Scott Cultice said.

The rain began at 8:30 a.m. Friday, and about 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) fell in a few hours. A flash flood warning was issued for Manawa and other parts of Waupaca County

“It kept raining in and around the Manawa area,” Cultice said. “They had water rescues. Most of the roads in the centre were flooded.”

“We just can’t get the rain out,” he added. “It just doesn’t move, it stays still.”

Emergency shelters have been set up in a secondary school and a Masonic centre.

“The dam is not safe due to the amount of water,” said the Manawa Police Department said on her Facebook page.

All entrances to the town of Manawa, about 55 miles (88 kilometers) west of Green Bay, have also been blocked, the city said in a statement. a message on her Facebook page.

“Please do not attempt to drive into or around the city,” the message read. “Vehicles are flooded on the roads around the city. Union Street is flooded. N. Bridge Street is flooded. Beech Street is washed out. Howard Street is flooded. Industrial Drive is flooded.”

“Because of the amount of rain we are getting … there will be flooding in the streets and yards,” the post continued. “It’s all over the city.”

The weather service warns that rain and possibly thunderstorms could continue throughout the weekend and early next week.