Fremont, Wisconsin is now at the center of growing flood concerns as rising water from the Wolf River continues moving downstream from New London, bringing with it the same destructive conditions that impacted communities upstream. Emergency officials say the situation is evolving quickly, with road closures, waterlogged homes, and urgent evacuation efforts already underway.
Flooding Moves Downstream into Fremont
After days of severe flooding in nearby New London, the impact has now shifted toward Fremont. As upstream water levels begin to fall, the excess water is flowing into lower-lying areas, putting the village at risk. Officials report that dozens of properties are already surrounded by water, and sandbags have been placed across vulnerable zones in an effort to limit further damage.
Zac Van Asten, Emergency Management Director for Waupaca County, confirmed that response efforts have now been redirected to Fremont.
“Everything we saw in New London is now starting to happen here,” he said, noting that emergency teams are closely monitoring conditions as they continue to change.
Roads at Risk, Residents Asked to Leave
Authorities took urgent action over the weekend, going door-to-door in some areas to advise residents to evacuate. One of the biggest concerns is a key roadway on the west side of the village that has started to erode due to continuous water pressure.
Officials warned that if this road fails, it could cut off the only access route in and out of certain parts of Fremont. Residents were urged to seek higher ground while conditions remain uncertain.
Homes and Properties Already Affected
Local residents describe the flooding as some of the worst they have ever seen. Water has breached protective barriers in several locations, including a nearby pond, making it difficult to control the flow. Even properties that were protected with sandbags have started taking on water.
Some seasonal cottages and campground setups have been severely damaged, leaving owners with significant losses. Longtime residents say this event could rival or exceed historic floods from past decades.
River Levels Uncertain as Crest Approaches
Officials expect the Wolf River to reach its peak sometime between Monday and early Tuesday. However, accurately measuring the water level has become a challenge. The river gauge in Fremont is completely submerged, making real-time readings impossible.
Emergency teams are relying on forecasts and upstream data to estimate how severe the situation could become in the coming hours.
Recovery Planning Begins Amid Ongoing Crisis
While emergency response remains the priority, officials are also beginning to plan for recovery. One key concern is restoring natural gas service to affected homes.
Utility teams are expected to begin inspections soon, but homes that have experienced internal flooding will require safety certification before gas can be turned back on. For unaffected properties, service restoration is expected to be faster after verification.
Strong Community Support Emerges
Despite the worsening conditions, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly supportive. Residents from Fremont and nearby towns are stepping in to help those in need.
Volunteers have been delivering food, assisting with sandbagging, and even helping displaced families with daily needs like laundry and shelter. Many residents say this level of support reflects the true spirit of the community.
Additional Risks Add to Pressure
The situation has been further complicated by cold weather and infrastructure risks. Temperatures recently dropped to near freezing, raising concerns for those without heat or shelter.
Another unexpected hazard involves propane tanks. In rural areas, large tanks used for heating can become dislodged and float away in floodwaters, creating dangerous conditions downstream. Officials are actively monitoring these risks.
More Rain Could Worsen Situation
While the area avoided the heaviest rainfall over the weekend, more precipitation is expected later in the week. With the ground already saturated and water levels high, even moderate rainfall could worsen flooding conditions.
Emergency teams are working closely with weather experts to assess how incoming rain may impact the already strained situation.
Uncertain Road Ahead
Officials are continuing to assess the scale of damage and determine whether the flooding will qualify for state or federal disaster assistance. Residents are being advised to begin contacting their insurance providers as early as possible.
For now, Fremont remains on high alert as the river continues its course and the community prepares for what comes next.
