OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – Flood concerns continue in Oshkosh as the Fox River and Lake Winnebago remain at elevated levels on Monday.
City officials are urging residents to stay alert to rising water through the week.
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Water levels at Fox River have been hovering between 3.95 and 3.98 feet, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gauge.
“Looking back at the historical data for that gauge, that would put this at the seventh highest level ever recorded, with many of the high ones dating from the late 1800s,” Oshkosh Public Works director James Rabe said. “The last one that was higher than that was in 1960.”
Normal water levels typically range between 2.9 and 3.2 feet, meaning current conditions are above seasonal norms.
While forecasted rain over the weekend was less than expected, additional rainfall could still worsen flooding. Officials say the river could crest by midweek.
“The latest prediction from the Army Corps was Tuesday or Wednesday,” Robbie said.
Flooding is already affecting low-lying areas, including neighborhoods near the Fox River, Sawyer Creek and Campbell Creek, as well as roads such as Campbell Road and areas along Bowen Street.
High water levels are also limiting the effectiveness of storm sewer systems, increasing the risk of additional flooding.
“When water is high like this, it backs up further into the system, so that rain will have some difficulty getting off of the street,” Rabe said.
Officials warn it could take weeks for water levels to return to normal due to the size of Lake Winnebago and ongoing weather conditions.
“It’s going to take a long time to come back down again,” Rabe said.
Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to take precautions, including moving electronics, batteries and other hazardous materials off the ground to prevent potential fire risks.
Sandbags remain available at the city’s Public Works operations facility on Witzel Avenue.
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Officials also warn drivers not to go around barricades or drive through flooded roads.
“You never know if there’s a manhole cover that has come off or anything like that,” Rabe said. “Avoid flooded streets whenever possible.”
