Expect another round of rain in Appleton area April 17 that could escalate flooding after several communities were already ordered to evacuate along the Wolf River.
Strong thunderstorms are in the forecast in the late afternoon and evening April 17 that could bring around an inch of rainfall in the Fox Valley, said Jillian Goodin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Green Bay.
The most extreme storms are expected to hit central Wisconsin, but Outagamie County could still see some hail, damaging winds and even more flooding.
“With the rain we’ve already received, we haven’t dried out yet, so tomorrow’s system could just act to exacerbate flooding that is already ongoing,” Goodin said.
The latest round of rain should clear up in the morning April 18. The Appleton area will finally get a break from rain April 18 until at least the middle of next week, Goodin said.
In Shiocton, village officials said several residents have opted to stay despite the evacuation order that was issued April 15. They should stay home now and avoid driving on flooding streets that could cause more damage, village officials said.
“The river will rise more before it crests, we are not at the worst,” the village said in a statement released around 10:15 a.m. April 16. The west side of the village from Second Street is closed.
Fox Valley businesses offer help to displaced families
Some hotels in the Fox Cities are offering discounted rates for residents displaced by flooding. Those in need should identify themselves as residents of an evacuated area. The Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau has compiled a running list of participating hotels on its website, foxcities.org/disaster-relief-rates.
Mihm’s Charcoal Grill in Menasha also extended its efforts to help, continuing to offer those displaced by floodwaters 20% off their meal on April 16, the restaurant posted on its Facebook page. They previously made this offer on April 15, as well.
See other businesses helping flood victims? Let us know, and we will update this list.
Contact Benita Mathew at bmathew@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: More rain is coming to Appleton, Outagamie County. Here’s what to know
Reporting by Benita Mathew, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Appleton Post-Crescent
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