Weak Levee Forces Evacuation in Wis - www.Upi.com & World News

Online, September 27, 2010 (Newswire.com) - PORTAGE, Wis., -- About 300 people were told to evacuate their homes in Portage, Wis., Sunday when a Wisconsin River levee deteriorated to a dangerous point, authorities said.

Wausau's WSAW-TV reported hundreds of Portage residents left their homes when authorities issued a flood warning because a sand levee on the south side of the river was showing signs of failing. More than 100 homes could be washed out if the levee breaks completely, the TV station said.

Columbia County Emergency Management officials urged people living near Blackhawk Park to get out immediately and seek higher ground.

The Portage Daily Register reported as of 4 p.m. no one was being allowed in or out of the Blackhawk Park area until further notice.

County emergency management Deputy Director Kathy Johnson said attempts to strengthen the levee had not succeeded.

The Red Cross opened a reception center shortly after noon at a local church to help the displaced residents, the newspaper said.

The National Weather Service said the river had reached 20.4 feet in Portage, which was higher than the crest predicted for Monday, the newspaper said. The river had held steady for several hours, however.

The record crest for the river at Portage was 20.5 feet on Sept. 14, 1938. Flood stage is 17 feet.