Fond du Lac flooding forces more than 300 people to evacuate, schools to close Friday
Updated 8:45 p.m. on March 20, 2019
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- There is assistance available for those affected by the flood.
Those with immediate needs such as help with cleaning out their basements should call 2-1-1 to request this assistance.
Those needing clothing, hygiene products and other items are encouraged to contact the Salvation Army.
For additional information, see below.
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Updated 10:30 p.m. March 14, 2019
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Fond du Lac School District will be closed on Friday, March 15 because of the major flooding in the area.
Updated 10:00 p.m. March 14, 2019
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Roads across Fond du Lac are covered in the water Thursday night.
"We're dealing with people trapped in vehicles. They've tried to drive away where they shouldn't," said Chief Peter O'Leary with the Fond du Lac Fire Department.
Crews used boats to rescue people out of their homes.
"The water was so deep, some of them couldn't walk out," said Chief O'Leary.
More than 300 people were evacuated Thursday, some of those evacuations were mandatory.
"It's scary because they know it's serious if we're going to come and tell them to get out of their homes," said Chief O'Leary.
With the fast-moving water, officials say conditions are getting worse in other places across the city as the water continues to move. Crews will continue to monitor the waters and close more roads as they need to.
Nearly 1,000 people have had gas and electric shut off to homes and businesses.
Stay with CBS 58 News for more information on this developing story.
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Updated: 12:51 p.m. March 14, 2019
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Warmer temperatures are causing major problems for some in Fond du Lac.
Several streets are flooded and many buildings along the Fond du Lac River have been evacuated. The flooding is being caused by ice jams along the river.
Crews used construction equipment for several hours to try to remove the ice chunks and get the water flowing again.
The ice was removed from the water, loaded into dump trucks and hauled away. Some residents were escorted out of their apartment complex and loaded onto school buses, many grabbing what they could as they were told to leave.
"Everything I've got is inside that place, and then I got a motorhome sitting across town over here. So, I know that thing is going to be all flooded out, it's going to be useless," said Ted Chier who was evacuated from his apartment.
The Fire Department says no one has been seriously hurt and the Red Cross is helping the people that have been displaced.
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Posted 6:11 a.m. March 14, 2019
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (CBS 58) – Fond du Lac Police say they are asking people to evacuate their homes in the area near Western Ave. and Oak St. due to flooding.
The fire chief says the flooding is being caused by ice jams. They have crews working to break up the ice. Flooding is also being reported near the Fond du Lac County Coroner's Office and the jail.
This is a developing story, stay with CBS 58 on-air and online for updates.