Watch CBS News

Walker Declares State Of Emergency In 8 Wis. Counties

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Gov. Scott Walker declared a state of emergency Tuesday in eight counties after widespread storm and flooding damage wreaked havoc across northern Wisconsin.

The counties hit the hardest are Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Sawyer and Washburn.

The heavy rains caused flash flooding, power outages and damaged roads and bridges.

Boats are washed up along the southern shore of Lake Superior.

Wisconsin Flood Damage
(credit: CBS)

A car got stuck in the town of Odanah when parts of the road plunged into a creek. Chris Peters helped rescue a terrified driver.

"We just shimmied our way across the railing again, and we got to safety. She was pretty distraught, you know," Peters said. "It was pretty rough, pretty rough for both of us."

Peters' car was swept off the same bridge. Authorities are still trying to locate it.

The National Weather Service said more flooding is likely over the next two days, as rivers and creeks continue to rise.

Related Stories
Storms & Tornadoes Leave Damage In North-Central Minn.
Flood Warnings In Effect For Mississippi River In Minn. Counties

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.