The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a series of warnings and watches due to an ongoing situation with heavy rainfall leading to flooding across parts of Wisconsin. The area has experienced significant precipitation, with a Flood Watch remaining in effect throughout today and into early Monday morning. According to the National Weather Service Milwaukee, thunderstorms today could exacerbate the problem, with more heavy rain expected.
Several rivers have surged past their flood stages, leading to disruptions and impacts on residents. The Root River at Franklin has already prompted a Flood Warning, with current stage levels having reached 7.7 feet while bankfull stage is marked at 7.0 feet. The river is predicted to "rise above flood stage this morning to a crest of 8.8 feet this afternoon," the National Weather Service Milwaukee reports.
Moreover, the Milwaukee River at Milwaukee has reached major flooding levels with a stage reading of 10.5 feet, approaching the record flood level. "There is widespread flooding in the Glendale area," National Weather Service Milwaukee states, outlining the inundation of parks and the impact on local infrastructure, including roads and a hotel.
Action by residents is necessary as areas like Wauwatosa see the Menomonee River also well above flood stage. The National Weather Service emphasizes the severity, indicating that at 14.0 feet, "The river is well out of its banks causing some flooding to homes." Residents are urged to be vigilant and to "turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads" as most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Urban area and small stream flooding extends to Milwaukee and Waukesha counties, where roads remain closed and flooding of creeks and streams continues. National Weather Service Milwaukee records between 5 and 13 inches of rain have fallen, illustrating the scale of this meteorological event. They also warn that "additional rainfall amounts up to 0.5 inches are possible in the warned area," signaling further potential challenges ahead for emergency services and citizens alike.
