MANAWA, Wis. — Public officials in Manawa, Wis., alerted the community to dangerous flash flooding in the area Friday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) then issued a flash flood warning for central Waupaca County. The warning is in place until 9:30 p.m. Friday. 

The Manawa Police Department said first responders noticed the dam had started eroding. As of 4 p.m. Friday, the dam in Manawa along the Little Wolf River was intact, but officials said there was significant erosion on its north side. This led to the draining of Manawa Mill Pond across Bridge Street. 

The gates of the dam were opened to relieve water pressure and prevent a catastrophe, police said. As of 4 p.m. Friday, public officials said they were continuing to monitor the dam. 

"The structural integrity of the dam itself remains intact, and there is no immediate danger of collapse. However, due to the substantial erosion, it is anticipated that the mill pond will continue to drain until the situation stabalizes," the city said. 

The bridge along Highway 22, police said, appears to be safe for travel. Once it is cleared and clean it will reopen.

City officials said everyone who lives downriver of the dam was notified they needed to evacuate. The evacuation was extended north, along Highway 22. 

"Move to higher ground NOW," NWS said. "Act quickly to protect your life. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads."

Officials set up an emergency shelter for anyone who needs a safe place to stay at Little Wolf High School (515 E. Fourth St.) and the Manawa Masonic Lodge (520 N. Bridge St.).

The Red Cross of Wisconsin is at the high school. Volunteers are providing water and are working to address immediate needs of those displaced from their homes.

“Due to the amount of water the dam isn’t safe,” the Manawa Police Department said on its Facebook page.

Police said those who live along the evacuation route and have not yet found another place to shelter are advised to shelter in place. 

Manawa Mayor Mike Frazier said there have been no injuries or deaths reported due to the weather conditions in the area. 

An area nursing home has been flooded and evacuated. 

Police said there are also plans to evacuate Manawa Community Living Center to the King Veteran's Home. 

According to the city, cars on roads have been flooded. Union Street, North Bridge Street, Howard Street, Beech Street and Industrial Drive are all flooded.

Yards and other streets are expected to flood, too.

(Photo courtesy of National Weather Service)

Drivers are advised to avoid traveling on any of the city’s roads.

All entrances to the city of Manawa, about 55 miles west of Green Bay, also have been blocked, the city said in a post on its Facebook page.

"Please do not try to drive into the city or around the city,” the post read. “Vehicles are being flooded on the roads around the city. Union Street is flooded. N. Bridge Street is flooded. Beech Street is washed away. Howard Street is flooded. Industrial Drive is flooded.”

“Because of the amount of rain we are receiving ... there will be flooding in the streets and yards,” the post continued. “It is everywhere in the city."

Due to the floods, public health officials issued a Boil Water Advisory for Manawa and surrounding communities. This means that people should boil tapwater before drinking it; city officials said when such an advisory is issued, "the public should assume the water is unsafe to drink due to its contaminants." 

Officials said water should be boiled at a full rolling boil for at least five minutes if it is to be used for drinking, food preparation or ice. Ice and beverages made using unboiled tapwater should be thrown away and not consumed. Officials advised using bottled water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth. Boiled water should not be used for infants or expectant moms — they should use bottled water.

Public health offiicals said they issued this as a precautionary measure until water testing can be done to make sure the area's tapwater is safe to drink. 

Public health officials also told the community it was not advised to wade in the water, as it could be contaminated. Those who have been in the floodwaters should make sure they are up to date on vaccinations and wash themselves with soap and clean water.  

Rain started this morning at about 8:30 a.m. About five inches fell within a few hours. Police said by midmorning they had received multiple reports of stranded motorists in need of help, things floating in the roads and roads not being passable. There were also reports of flooding in homes. Police said they called in for additional resources at this time. 

“It just wouldn't stop raining in and around the Manawa area,” meteorologist Scott Cultice said. “They had water rescues. Most of the downtown roads were flooded.”

“We just can't get rid of the rain,” he added. “It's just not moving, just stalling.”

The city said fire personnel, police and city crew members are currently working in the area to help ensure public safety as flooding continues.

The weather service warned that the rain, and possibly thunderstorms, could occur through the weekend and into early next week. Many community events for Friday and the weekend have been called off due to the floods. 

Assessments will take place over the next several days.