Governor planning to tour Coon Valley flood area Wednesday

Wisconsin’s governor is preparing to visit Coon Valley Wednesday to inspect flood damage for himself.

Gov. Scott Walker will take an early afternoon tour of the village, beginning with a 1:45 p.m. stop at the Highway 14 bridge (map).

On Tuesday, Walker declared a state of emergency for six counties, including Vernon, La Crosse and Monroe, after having experienced heavy rain and flash flooding Monday night and Tuesday.

Walker issued the declaration Tuesday evening. He declared a state of emergency in Dane County last week.

The declaration opens the door for federal assistance.

Heavy rains over the last week have caused widespread flooding in southern Wisconsin, resulting in power outages and evacuation.

The National Weather Service is investigating reports of a possible tornado that tore across central Wisconsin on Tuesday afternoon.

Rain was expected to continue into Wednesday morning.