La Crosse on the Mississippi River in western Wisconsin faces moderate tornado risk and serious Mississippi River flooding. The city sits in a bluff-lined river valley that can funnel floodwaters from the Mississippi and Black Rivers into the city during major events. The 2008 and 2019 floods caused significant damage across the La Crosse area. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse creates institutional emergency planning requirements.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
- Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
- Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
- Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
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// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 6 / 10 Moderate |
| Primary Hazard | Tornado / Mississippi River Flooding |
| FEMA Flood Zone | High |
| County FEMA Declarations | 7 |
| Last Major Event | 2019 Flooding |
// Emergency Information
| Emergency Phone | (608) 789-7200 |
| Evacuation Routes | I-90 US-61 WI-33 WI-35 |
| Elevation | 650 ft above sea level |
// County Risk Profile
La Crosse County WI
Wisconsin · Tornado / Mississippi River Flooding
View full county emergency preparedness profile →
6/10
Moderate Risk