Flooding

All of Wisconsin's coastal communities are vulnerable to flooding. The resources featured in this topic are organized by the four phases of emergency management - preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. Utilizing these resources can help local officials and property owners become more resilient to flooding hazards.

Preparedness – Understanding Flooding
  • Severe Weather 101 Quick Reference
    NOAA National Severe Storms Lab

    This resource provides information to learn more about severe weather, including flooding, thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, hail, damaging winds, and winter weather. It includes resources for educators, students and the public.
  • FloodSmart - The National Flood Insurance Program Quick Reference
    Federal Emergency Management Agency

    This resource makes the case for the National Flood Insurance Program to the public. It includes information on why and how to buy flood insurance, as well as understanding flood risk and how to reduce cost and increase community resilience..
Preparedness – Plans and Practice
  • Make a Plan Online Guide
    Ready.gov

    This resource walks families through a four-step process to create and practice a plan for an emergency.
  • Extreme Event Game Learning Resource
    National Academy of Sciences LabX

    Extreme Event is a role-playing game that allows participants to work together to make decisions and solve problems during a simulated disaster. Scenarios exist for floods, hurricanes and earthquakes.
Preparedness – Assessing Vulnerability in Floodplains
  • Search for Floodplains by Address Quick Reference
    FEMA Flood Map Service Center

    A quick way to see if you are located in a floodplain.
  • River Forecasts Tool
    National Weather Service

    Provides a national perspective on river gauges that are in flood stage or in an action stage. See observations and forecasts for the next week.
  • Wisconsin Flood Risk Mapping Application Interactive Map
    Wisconsin Department of Health Services

    This interactive map presents data resources for emergency preparedness and planning in Wisconsin.
Preparedness – Assessing Vulnerability to Coastal Flooding
  • Great Lakes Water Level Dashboard Tool
    NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab

    This resource provides interactive visualization of water levels on each of the Great Lakes.
  • Great Lakes Coastal Forecasting System Tool
    NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab

    This resource provides maritime users with short-term predictions of water levels, water currents, and water temperatures.
  • Lake Michigan and Huron Operational Forecast System Tool
    NOAA National Ocean Service

    This resource provides maritime users with short-term predictions of water levels, water currents, and water temperatures. It utilizes a numerical hydrodynamic model to generate nowcast and forecast information.
  • Lake Level Viewer Tool
    NOAA Office for Coastal Management

    This interactive map visualizes the extent of rising and falling water levels along the shores of the Great Lakes from six feet about average lake levels to six feet below in one foot increments. It includes the ability to explore the impact of rising water levels on vulnerable populations and businesses.
Response and Recovery
  • Flood Toolkit Publication
    Wisconsin Department of Health Services

    A planning guide for public health and emergency response professionals that provides practical guidance, strategies and useful reference materials about health impacts and recovery from flooding.
  • Open Data Portal Data
    Wisconsin Emergency Management

    This resource is a free public platform to quickly explore and download open data about emergency management in Wisconsin. It provides photos and other data in a useful story map format.
Mitigation
  • Beyond the Basics Online Guide
    University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

    This resource features best practices drawn from high-quality hazard mitigation plans and expert recommendations.
  • FEMA Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting Publication
    Federal Emergency Management Agency

    This guide provides options for reducing flood damage to homes, including effectiveness and cost information.
  • Community Rating System Green Guide Online Guide
    Association of State Floodplain Managers

    The FEMA Community Rating System is a voluntary program for encouraging floodplain management activities above the minimum of the National Flood Insurance Program. The Green Guide helps communities through the process of earning CRS credit.