Vernon County on high alert as more rain expected to fall on soaked landscape

July 2, 2026

VERNON COUNTY, Wis. — Heavy overnight rains have pushed rivers and streams in Vernon County beyond their banks, prompting widespread flood warnings and raising alarms among emergency management and law enforcement officials as additional severe storms bear down on the already saturated region. Law enforcement, highway crews, fire departments and municipal employees throughout Vernon County and the region were busy all day with road closures, mudslides and downed trees.

Up to 4 inches of rain fell near Ontario overnight, and the runoff is rapidly surging downstream into the Kickapoo River and Coon Creek basins. With the ground completely saturated, emergency management officials warn that any new precipitation will immediately exacerbate flooding and expand emergency road closures.

“More heavy rain is coming. Can expect 1-2 more inches over the next 36 or so hours,” Vernon County Emergency Management Director Brandon Larson said in a severe weather briefing. “Stay aware of road closures and changing weather conditions as things seem to change rapidly today”.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in La Crosse reports that a line of strong to severe storms is moving east out of Northeast Iowa into Southwest Wisconsin through the afternoon and evening. These storms have a history of producing large hail and damaging wind gusts, and repeated rounds of heavy rain will track over areas that have already been inundated.

Current Levels and Predictions for the Kickapoo River

Both the Kickapoo River and Coon Creek are already overflowing their banks in places. The NWS has issued active flood warnings for the Kickapoo River at Ontario, La Farge, Viola, and Readstown in Vernon County.

The table below charts the current observed water levels against the predicted crests as the floodwaters move downstream:

Forecast models show water levels rapidly spiking downstream over the next 24 to 48 hours, with Viola and La Farge expected to reach Moderate flood stages.

Current road closures and restrictions:

You can find information on current county road conditions on the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office website. Several resources will give you information on local roads and state roads.

Below is a list of road closures and restrictions in Vernon County provided by the Sheriff’s Office and Vernon County Emergency Management. It is the best and most current information available. You will notice the column on the far right shows when that particular spot was checked by law enforcement or county staff. Vernon County does an outstanding job of keeping this list updated. If you encounter a road closure sign do not move them or drive around. They are there for a reason even though the reason for the closure may not be visible from where the sign is placed.

GIS Map of Vernon County Road Closures

Department of Transportation Road Conditions

National Weather Service Forecast

Why Acting Early is Critical

Vernon County’s steep topography makes it uniquely susceptible to flash flooding, which is notoriously unpredictable. Unlike the slower, more predictable flooding seen on larger bodies of water like the Mississippi River, flash floods in the Kickapoo and Coon Creek valleys occur suddenly, turning normally calm streams into raging torrents that can carry away structures, bridges, and boulders.

Because of this rapid onset, emergency management officials emphasize that acting early is a matter of life and death. Waiting to act can preclude any chance of safe evacuation to higher ground once floodwaters begin to surge.

Officials advise residents in impacted areas to take the following steps immediately to protect themselves:

• Move property to higher ground now: With crests predicted to hit moderate to major stages in several municipalities over the next day, property in low-lying areas should be secured or moved before the water rises further.
• Turn around, don’t drown: Motorists must never attempt to drive around barricades or through flooded roads. The majority of flood-related deaths occur in vehicles, and road closures in the county are actively expanding as conditions deteriorate.
• Stay Weather Aware: Monitor local radio, television, and NOAA weather radios for sudden updates. Vernon County recently transitioned to the Everbridge emergency alert system, and residents can expect phone calls or texts directly from the county (608-637-5266) if imminent danger requires localized evacuation.

With periodic showers and thunderstorms expected to continue into Friday, officials are urging all residents in low-lying areas to remain on high alert.