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Wolf River on the rise in New London

Free sandbags available to affected residents

By Scott Bellile


Warm temperatures are melting away winter snow, and the thaw once again has some New London homeowners bracing for flooding along the Wolf River.

The Wolf River crested at 9.95 feet just west of the bridge on Pearl Street at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, according to the National Weather Service. This is still considered the minor flood stage.

Less than a week ago, the river was 4.5 feet high.

In anticipation of runoff and high-water flows, Paul Meagher, left, holds a bag as Henry Jacobson shovels sand into it Friday, March 15, outside the New London Municipal Garage.
John Faucher photo

City residents whose properties are affected by the flooding can pick up free filled sandbags or scoop their own sand at the New London Municipal Garage, 1306 W. Wolf River Ave.

New London Building Supply is selling sandbags while supplies last, according to Molly Cervantes, administrative assistant at the New London Area Chamber of Commerce.

Fifth District Alderman David Morack, who lives west of North Shawano Street along the river, said if the river reaches 10.5 feet – the moderate flood stage – then he predicts more streets will be underwater in his neighborhood.

As of Wednesday, large amounts of water were collecting in small stretches on West North Water Street, Elm Street and Shiocton Street, all located in the lower part of the city.

Morack has lived in his home for 20 years. He never experienced flooding on his property because he said his house is one of the highest in his neighborhood.

Elm Street in New London had high water for motorists and pedestrians to pass through on Wednesday, March 20.
Scott Bellile photo

But unlike some of his neighbors, Morack has a basement to keep an eye on. And according to the National Weather Service, Wednesday morning’s crest is the 10th highest on record.

“I’m a little concerned I’ll have a swimming pool in my basement,” Morack said.

In consulting weather reports, Cervantes said if New London can steer clear of precipitation over the coming days, it could be good news for homeowners.

“If it doesn’t rain at all, if it stays where it is, then we’re OK right now,” Cervantes said. “But they’re saying any more rain can make it crazy unpredictable.”

There is a 40 percent chance of showers Wednesday and Sunday, March 24, according to The Weather Channel.

Waupaca County Emergency Management declared a flood emergency for the Wolf River, imposing a slow-no-wake zone.

The village of Fremont downriver is similarly dealing with flooding and offering sandbags to its residents.

2019 is the 40-year anniversary of New London’s highest recorded Wolf River flood: 11.83 feet.

That year, the water shut down U.S. Highway 45, 1-plus-foot water stalled vehicles in the streets and manholes shot water into the air, according to 1979 Press Star articles.

Streets caved in and some North Water Street families evacuated their homes.

Volunteers to help with sandbagging were recruited with free beer.

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