Gov. Scott Walker: 'Potential for more water' as Dane County cleans up from record flooding
DANE COUNTY -- The worst may not be over for Dane County. Record rainfall on Monday, Aug. 20 caused terrible flooding. Rising lakes and more rain in the forecast could make the recovery in Madison more difficult.
Flooding in Cross Plains
Storms dumped more than 11 inches of rain on the county Monday into Tuesday, causing widespread flooding and power outages. James Sewell, 70, died after rushing floodwaters swept his car into a drainage ditch in Madison.
On Wednesday, Aug. 22, twigs and branches could still be seen on street signs and light poles, and there was evidence of flowing high water inside a shopping area in Middleton -- one of several Dane County municipalities impacted by the heavy rain. Some places saw 13+ inches of rain in a 24-hour period.
A state of emergency was declared in Dane County.
"The state stands ready to work with the county executive and the municipal governments throughout this area," said Governor Scott Walker.
Gov. Scott Walker tours flooded areas of Dane County from the air
Walker surveyed the flooded areas from the air on Wednesday. He offered condolences to the family of the man who died during a news conference and said he hopes to visit a number of flooded communities on Thursday. An advisory indicates Gov. Walker plans to visit the Red Cross shelter at Mazomanie Elementary School Thursday morning, where he will meet with victims and volunteers.
Gov. Scott Walker
"There's the potential for more water," said Walker.
Forecasts call for a 70 percent chance of rain in Madison on Friday, Aug. 24.
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi said the City of Monona and surrounding communities are at high risk.
"We have sandbags moving in that direction. We have sandbaggers there. We will be assessing that situation particularly over the next 24 hours," said Parisi.
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi
Law enforcement is asking the public to obey road closures.
Dane County Sheriff David Mahoney
Dane County Sheriff David Mahoney hailed the valiant efforts of first responders who risked their own lives to save countless others when the rain was coming down.
"Their willingness to walk into shoulder deep waters to save a fellow citizen and put themselves at risk... although we lost one life, one tragic loss in the city of Madison, there were dozens if not more that could have been tragic without the commitment of our public servants," said Mahoney.
Gov. Scott Walker tours flooded areas of Dane County from the air
If the worst should happen on Friday, officials say they may use reverse 911 to inform any residents that need to be evacuated.