JANESVILLE, Wis. (WMTV) – First responders rescued several people in Janesville as floodwaters took over the streets, caused a train derailment and damaged multiple buildings Friday night.
Officials from Janesville and Rock County provided an update Saturday on the major flooding event, saying they are keeping an eye on the Rock River and trying to determine if any roads can be safely reopened.
Rock County Sheriff Curt Fell said people made 724 calls to 911 between 5-9 p.m. Friday, which is a 392% surge in what they receive on a typical Friday night.
Janesville City Manager Kevin Lahner said 11 people needed to be evacuated from partial flooding. Vehicles and boats were sent out to rescue people, included stranded drivers.
City of Janesville reported a train containing corn and grains derailed Friday night near North Washington Street and Maple Court.
Lahner confirmed Saturday that the derailment happened because of a washout, saying one train car was completely buried underwater. Three locomotives in total derailed and crews are working to bring the train cars back on track.
Lahner also said the conductor needed to be pulled out of the train car and was taken to a hospital for injuries. The conductor is expected to be OK.
A train carrying corn derailed late Friday night in Janesville, the City of Janesville confirmed in a press release.(Michael Piette)
As of 9 a.m., officials did not have an exact number on how many people are displaced from their homes from the flooding.
The city’s drinking and wastewater is not impacted by the flooding, Lahner said.
Community members who were displaced or rescued were taken to the Salvation Army for reunification with loved ones.
Lahner added that a fire on the 5000 block of West Hanover Road was believed to be caused by a lightning strike.
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office urged people to stay off the roads unless travel was absolutely necessary Friday night, saying deputies were responding to a surge of calls that ranged from downed trees to flooded streets and fallen power lines.
Green belt flooding between Dartmouth and Harvard Dr on westside of Janesville(Jackie Harwick)
In Janesville, several roads were impassable. Some drivers became stranded as they tried to get through high water.
Janesville Fire Department said debris was scattered across streets in the city, all of which was not hazardous.
The fire department said it appreciated the community’s patience as city staff inspect all roads and clear debris.
Sheriff Fell asked anyone who has damage to call 211 to make a report.
Road Closures
As of 9 a.m., the Rock County Sheriff’s Office released the following locations for road closures:
Rockport Rd BridgeCTH 14: CTH A to CTH MMJohnson & NossCounty H & Mineral PointHanover & S EllisVan Allen & MapleJohnson & TrippMilton-Shopiere & MapleCounty Highway KK Bridge
Janesville officials said the following road closures were in place Friday night:
Milton AveMemorial DrNorth Parker DrPontiac/RugerRiverside Park at RugerRockport at AftonDeerfield at Ryan RoadTraxler ParkLodge at Woodlane
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