OnFocus – Torrential rains returned to the state Monday night, dropping 3-6” of rain on parts of Wisconsin in a line stretching east from La Crosse. Some areas saw localized rainfalls of up to 11”. The storm caused widespread flooding in several counties, damaging homes and businesses and forcing multiple road closures. Adams, Monroe, and Vernon counties, as well as the Town of Elroy in Juneau County have all declared States of Emergency in response to the flooding.
Flooding has been reported in Adams, Dunn, Fond du Lac, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, La Crosse, Lincoln, Monroe, Ozaukee, Sauk, St. Croix, Vernon, Waukesha, Washington, and Winnebago counties. Evacuations have been reported in Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon counties.
Additional showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon, with the National Weather Service forecasting an additional 1-3” across much of the state through Tuesday, with potentially heavier rainfalls in localized areas. Flood warnings remain in effect for portions of La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon counties until 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Flash flood and severe thunderstorm watches also remain in effect for much of the southern half of the state.
Several roads throughout the region remain closed due to standing water or because of damage caused by flooding. 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.
In addition to Monday night’s storms, water levels in Madison’s chain of lakes remain high. There are continued concerns about flooding with the additional rainfall in the forecast. Sandbagging operations continue in Madison.
Private property owners in Dane, La Crosse, Vernon, and Monroe counties should report flood damage to 2-1-1 or 877-947-2211.
The Statewide Emergency Operations Center is currently elevated as the state is monitoring the situation and providing assistance to local emergency responders as requested.
