Wis. Officials: Storms Strand 33 People On Michigan Island; 20 Rescued So Far

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Wisconsin officials say 20 of 33 people have been rescued after being stranded on Michigan Island off of Saxon Harbor.

The incident occurred after storms brought heavy rains and caused flash flooding in numerous counties in Wisconsin, including Ashland, Bayfield, Sawyer, Washburn, Price, Iron, and Douglas.

Officials say several areas in from Minong to Cable in northern Iron County received 8 to 12 inches of rain, causing flash flooding.

As of 10:30 a.m., 20 of the 33 people have been rescued. The rest were expected to be rescued soon. There were no injuries.

Officials add that 85 boats were either damaged or destroyed on Saxon Harbor.

Numerous roads and highways have been affected by the storm, too. Major road closures include:

• Ashland County: U.S. Highway 2 at Sum Road, U.S. Highway 2 at Denomie Creek, and WIS 13 at Silver Creek and Trout Brook
• Bayfield County: WIS 137 at Whipperfurth Road, U.S Highway 63 at Twentymile Creek
• Iron County: WIS 122 at U.S Highway 2
• Washburn County: Portions of WIS 77 and U.S. Highway 53 north of Palmer Drive

The National Weather Service expects dry weather in northern Wisconsin for the next day.