The National Weather Service is warning communities along the upper Mississippi River to prepare for potential moderate to major flooding over the next two to three weeks. A combination of above-average snowpack in Minnesota and Wisconsin, saturated soils, and forecasted rainfall has pushed river level projections above flood stage at multiple locations.
The most concerning area stretches from La Crosse, Wisconsin, to the Quad Cities, where the river is expected to crest between three and five feet above flood stage by late April. Levee systems in the region are being inspected and reinforced, and some low-lying roads have already been preemptively closed.
Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to monitor river forecasts closely and begin sandbagging efforts now. The Army Corps of Engineers has mobilized resources to assist with flood mitigation and is working closely with local emergency management agencies to coordinate response plans.
