Remember the flood victims in your prayers

ARCADIA, Wis - Down the street at Detox Bar & Grill, owner Don Sylla served drinks to a small crowd of locals. Water levels on Main Street were already climbing when he closed the bar the night before, so he spent the night in his business.

"I'm here. Might as well serve some drinks," he said.

Meanwhile, agencies from across the state descended on Arcadia to aid in the response. About 50 evacuees initially went to Holy Family Church before the Western Wisconsin chapter of the American Red Cross set up a shelter at the National Guard Armory. Catholic Charities in La Crosse has sent crews to assist people affected by the flood, and the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs sent 20,000 sandbags and a sandbagging machine to Arcadia.

The rain continued to fall Thursday afternoon as the fire department used an airboat to pull another family from a home. Officials verified that the levies had not suffered any damage and provided police escorts to residents looking to re-enter downtown to visit their business or retrieve medications. More than 20 residents were not allowed to return to their homes Thursday night and slept in the shelter, said Heidi Jury of the Red Cross.

But even among the bustle, officials kept an eye on the sky - and on the swelling Trempealeau River. As of 8 p.m., it remained just feet from spilling onto city streets.

La Crosse Tribune

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) -- Authorities are recommending evacuations in southwest Rochester.

This notice affects all residents and businesses in the Zumbro River area around Bamber Valley Road.

Thursday night and into Friday morning, Rochester fire and police were contacting homeowners and businesses.  Flood waters are predicted to rise and potentially flood homes in this area.

Homeowners are encouraged to pack only belongings that can fit in a personal vehicle.

KTTC 

BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. - The Black River is rising this morning in Black River Falls, but as of 8 a.m. the levees were holding, according to Fire Chief Steve Schreiber.

The water is very near the top of the levee, and inmates from the Black River Correctional Camp are helping with sandbagging operations, Schreiber said.

LaCrosse Tribune

PINE ISLAND, Minn. (KTTC-DT) -- The city of Pine Island has been put the city on lockdown and no county travel is advised in the area.

Due to the high levels of water and the road closures all around the area, the Olmsted county Sheriff's office will only let in the people who have proof of residence in the area.

They are saying it's very dangerous to travel around the city and anybody wondering on flooded property could be arrested.

Instead of cool and crisp weather, summer rains have come back. And in the span of nearly 12 hours, a downpour on Pine Island brought close to 10 inches of rain. 

KTTC

WABASHA, Minn. (KTTC) The Zumbro River continues to rise in Zumbro Falls and is expected to crest Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service observed the river at 30.26 feet at 7 a.m. Friday.  Anything over 18 feet or more is considered flood stage.26 feet is considered major flood stage.