No relief in sight for waterlogged residents in southeast Wisconsin; more rain causes rivers to rise
MADISON — Authorities say there's no relief in sight for waterlogged southern Wisconsin residents.
The National Weather Service has extended a flood warning for Madison until Thursday afternoon, Sept. 6, after the area received more than an inch and a half of rain Saturday night through Sunday evening, Sept. 2. The weather service said another two inches of rain could fall through Wednesday.
Water levels of the four Yahara River lakes continued to rise and Madison police said flash flooding closed several roads.
Authorities said there was major flooding along the Baraboo River near Baraboo, Reedsburg and Rock Springs. Moderate flooding on the Fox River was reported near Berlin.
Residents have been dealing with high water since heavy rain and tornadoes battered southern and central Wisconsin starting on Aug. 20.
DOT officials offered this update on road closures Monday morning:
Motorists are advised to continue checking 511wi.gov for information regarding statewide impacts.
Motorists are also reminded not to drive through standing water or around barriers. Use the designated detour route as many state, county and local roads are experiencing flooding.
Columbia County
Crawford County
Dane County
Marquette County
Sauk County
Vernon County
Meanwhile, officials with the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs issued this statement on the flooding Monday evening:
"Heavy rains continued to move across southern Wisconsin. Since 8 a.m., some areas have received one-half to one-and-a-half inches of rain. Monday night through Tuesday, the heavy rains are expected in central and northeast Wisconsin where some areas could receive two to four inches of rain. Elsewhere, the southern areas could receive less than one to two inches.
Flood warnings remain in effect for the following rivers: Rock, Pecatonica, Baraboo, Crawfish, Fox, Milwaukee, and Kickapoo. Both the Baraboo and Kickapoo Rivers are falling after record crests.
Approximately 75 Wisconsin National Guard soldiers completed their mission earlier Monday, filling sandbags in Columbia County. More than 10,000 sandbags were filled and 8,500 were placed at 1-90/94 near Highway 33 and I-39 near Cascade Mountain Road. Portions of the Interstates were closed due to high water. The guard remains ready to provide assistance to communities as needed.
Both I-39 and I-90/94 are open. However, many county and local roads remain closed due to floodwaters. Drivers are urged to check 511wi.gov for current road closure information. If drivers encounter a closed route or standing water on a roadway, turn around and find another route. Do not drive around barricades or through water.
The City of Madison is reminding motorists heading to the Isthmus area tomorrow morning should plan on leaving up to an hour early due to flooding and street closures.
Private property owners should report flood and storm damage by calling 2-1-1 or 877-947-2211. Make sure to document damage by taking pictures and speak with your insurance agent. Multiple resources designed to help residents with their recovery efforts is being posted online HERE.
The Statewide Emergency Operations Center is currently elevated. The state is monitoring the situation and providing assistance to local emergency responders as requested."