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La Crosse, Wisconsin - Rivers in the Coulee Region are running high after 4"-5" of rain fell in some areas on the evening of June 18th. Minor flooding occurred on the Kickapoo River, with spikes in the river levels on nearby rivers as the excess water surged into the watershed.

Mike Welvaert, a hydrologist at the National Weather Service in La Crosse, says that these quick rises in river levels will be brief, lasting only a couple days as the excess water is absorbed, then moved downstream into the Mississippi or other large rivers. Those with interests along high-running rivers or streams should be aware of their surroundings, especially if the forecast includes heavy showers or thunderstorms.

The Mississippi River will start rising over the next few weeks as well as rain water from the smaller tributaries flows into the large river itself. Depending on the amount of additional rain over the coming days, the river could rise to near the flood stage by the July 4th weekend.

The risk for flash flooding has increased because of the heavy rains. The ground is saturated after the heavy rains, and will not be able to absorb its usual amount of water. This will cause more water to runoff into rivers, streams, and low-lying or flood prone areas rather than going into the ground. Mike Welvaert advises to pay attention to your surroundings and to any flood statements or warnings, and stay away from flooded areas or roads. The risk will decrease once dry weather develops, and allows the ground to dry out.