(The Center Square) – There is now a state of emergency in Wisconsin because of this week’s rain and storms.
Gov. Tony Evers issued a disaster declaration after severe thunderstorms rolled across southeastern Wisconsin and after heavy rains left communities near Green Bay dealing with flooding.
There was a death reported in Waukesha on Wednesday night from an apparent lightning strike in a parking lot. Police and fire personnel responded to a call of an unresponsive man in his 40s, who was later transported to a local hospital and died from the injuries.
“It is critical that we ensure our communities have access to every available resource to help local folks and families in need to secure essential infrastructure,” the governor said in his order. “We are grateful to all of the neighbors, emergency and first responders, local partners and volunteers, who are already working to support each other, respond to damages, restore essential services and ensure that homes, buildings and other important structures are as secure as we prepare for more severe weather to come.”
Tuesday saw two rounds of severe thunderstorms roll across southeast Wisconsin. The National Weather Service has not officially confirmed all of the damage, but forecasters say it appears that at least one tornado touched down in Waukesha County.
That tornado hit near the town of Sussex. Another tornado touched down in Juneau County.
In northeastern Wisconsin, this week’s storms have dumped heavy rains that have left several communities flooded.
In Suamico, the sheriff said flooding opened a sinkhole near the Suamico River that ate away part of a road and downed a power pole. That road is now closed.
The village of Hobart has declared a state of emergency because of flooding throughout the town.
In Manawa, volunteers are sandbagging at the local water treatment plant because the Little Wolf River is rising and could threaten the plant.
In New London, volunteers are being asked to help make more sandbags just in case.
Officials in Suamico said a driver drove into their sinkhole and had to be rescued. The person suffered only minor injuries.
Forecasters say there are more chances for rain or storms today, Friday and into Saturday morning across the state.
