Woman rescued by jet ski during flood after refusing to evacuate

August 29, 2018 3:15 AM

Jamie Perez,

Posted: August 29, 2018 3:15 AM

Updated: August 31, 2021 12:21 PM

by Jamie Perez

Flooding in the Town of Leon thanks to Alexander E.
Amy B. with flooding in Ontario
Cassy J. with the flooding in Wilton
Photo from the Town of Leon thanks to Alexander E.
Photo from the Town of Leon thanks to Alexander E.
Photo from the Town of Leon thanks to Alexander E.
Cassy J. with the flooding in Wilton
Cassy J. with the flooding in Wilton
Here is flooding between Ontario and Hillsboro courtesy of Chelsea B.
Here is flooding between Ontario and Hillsboro courtesy of Chelsea B.
Here is flooding between Ontario and Hillsboro courtesy of Chelsea B.
Cassy J. with the flooding in Wilton
Jacqueline S. took this photo of her rain gauge on French Island
Jay O. sent this photo of a deer after being pulled out of the mud by the Pedersons in Spring Coulee

Jay O. sent this photo of a deer after being pulled out of the mud by the Pedersons in Spring Coulee

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Laura A. sent this photo from Sparta after a gravel road washout
Jay O. with a washed out bridge in Spring Coulee
Jay O. with a washed out bridge in Spring Coulee
Jay O. with a washed out bridge in Spring Coulee
The Kickapoo River flooding thanks to Carrie O.
The Kickapoo River flooding thanks to Carrie O.
Nikki M. shared this photo from Ontario
Nikki M. shared this photo from Ontario
Within 20 minutes the water rose in Leon. Picture credit: Danielle M.
Here is a look at Hwy 162 between Coon Valley and Chaseburg courtesy of Rachel B.
Here is Hwy 33 in Ontario from Samantha B.
Kara N. took this picture of lower Chaseburg
Here is a look at Hwy 33 near Ontario.
Here is a look of Ontario from Kelsey P.
Randy H. captured this picture above Hwy 162 near Coon Valley.
Randy H. shared drone footage of Chaseburg from this morning
More pictures from Robin H. near Ontario/Hillsboro
Randy H. shared drone footage of Chaseburg from this morning
Robin H. shared this photo from hear Ontario and Hillsboro
Robin H. shared this photo from hear Ontario and Hillsboro
Here is a look at Elroy courtesy of Ryan K.
Here is a look at Elroy courtesy of Ryan K.
Here is a look at Elroy courtesy of Ryan K.
Randy H. shared drone footage of Coon Valley from this morning
Drone shot towards Coon Valley from Timber Coulee. Photo Credit: Garland McGarvey
Drone shot in Timber Coulee east of Coon Valley as if you were driving to Snowflake Ski Club. Photo credit: Garland McGarvey

Drone shot in Timber Coulee east of Coon Valley as if you were driving to Snowflake Ski Club. Photo credit: Garland McGarvey

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Daniel T. took this drone picture of the lake, spill way that is severely damaged at Jersey Valley County Park

Daniel T. took this drone picture of the lake, spill way that is severely damaged at Jersey Valley County Park

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JUNEAU COUNTY, Wis. — A woman was rescued by jet ski after refusing to evacuate her home during flash floods along West Street in Wonewoc.

A jet ski was brought out to save a woman surrounded by flood waters in her home after she refused to leave when most were evacuating in #Wonewoc pic.twitter.com/3Z7DTLJt2m

— Jamie Perez (@JamiePerezTV) August 28, 2018

She said she didn’t think the flooding would get as bad as it is and had experienced floods before in 2008. She said in previous flood experiences, she had been asked to leave and she was fine staying in her home.

Made it safely! A woman who refused to evacuate her home when city officials told her to leave, had to be rescued by jet ski after flood waters started entering her home and flooding her basement. More tonight on #News3 pic.twitter.com/YkdxAVvyS7

— Jamie Perez (@JamiePerezTV) August 28, 2018

The floodwaters were around 15 feet high around her home and started to flood the first level of her home after flooding out her basement. She arrived safely on dry land but said she left her cats inside her home.

Around 12 residents were evacuated on West Street. Authorities say most found relatives to stay with; shelter is provided for those who do not have an alternate place to stay during the floods.

West Street in #Wonewoc is flooded about 20 ft. The #BarabooRiver is 300 yards away and pouring runoff into these streets. They also have runoff from the dam and nearby towns. 12 homes evacuated so far, and the city just brought in a jet ski to get people out of their homes. pic.twitter.com/SRDzXd3ZXt

— Jamie Perez (@JamiePerezTV) August 28, 2018

Getting in and around Wonewac was difficult for many residents trying to flee the area as well. A large sinkhole barricaded a nearby highway, making the road completely impassable.

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS: Highway 33 going west has a huge sinkhole coming into #Wonewoc pic.twitter.com/7Umek7FORq

— Jamie Perez (@JamiePerezTV) August 28, 2018

County Road I was also difficult to get through due to high floodwaters.

County Road I is also flooded out heading toward Wonewoc #flood #news3 pic.twitter.com/DcUUzBwb1D

— Jamie Perez (@JamiePerezTV) August 28, 2018

Traffic going toward the Wisconsin Dells from the Madison area was backed up for miles due to cars getting stuck in floodwaters and trying to evade flooded areas.

This is the traffic going westbound on #i90 towards #WisconsinDells area. It goes for MILES beyond this. Stay home if you can. #flood #wx #WIWX #wisconsin #news3 pic.twitter.com/xqT8bzulPW