Upper Miss Flood Risk High, Says National Weather Service

In  the latest update to its Spring Flood Outlook, the La Crosse, Wis., Weather Forecast Office of the National Weather Service (NWS)  said the northern portion of the Upper Mississippi River could be facing the highest flood levels since 2001, based on high snowmelt.

The NWS said the region had a very high risk of moderate flooding, with a chance for “major” flooding of anywhere from 30 percent to 65 percent. “If you live near, or have interests along, the Mississippi River, you should begin preparing now,” the NWS warned. “At least prepare like you did in 2001, as impacts are likely to be similar.” The NWS did say there was a chance the impacts could be “smaller” than those of 2001 in some locations.

The forecast said  flooding is expected to begin in the middle of April and to crest between April 19 and April 29, based on snowmelt only. Any additional rain may increase those chances.