Updates

Latest Update 5:10 p.m., Oct. 10, 2019: 
Press Release: Rain on the Way, Flooding Not Expected 

The City does not expect incoming rain to cause flooding in the next 24 hours. We expect minimal impact on lake levels.  Less than a half of an inch of rain is expected.

Lake Monona and Lake Mendota are managed by Dane County.  The City of Madison consults with Dane County on lake level management. 

Because thunderstorms are possible, locally, heavier rain may fall, but overall should not cause flooding.  Residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor the forecast for changing conditions.  Residents should avoid parking in areas of the east isthmus that are prone to flash flooding, as a precaution.

There are no road or bike path closures at this time.

Current Lake levels: Oct. 10, 2019

• Lake Mendota
  • Current elevation: 852.02 feet
  • Down 0.04 feet from Oct. 9, 2019
  • 0.78 feet below the 100-year flood (which is 852.80 feet)
  • 0.72 feet below historic high (Historic High is 852.74, June 6, 2000)
• Lake Monona
  • Current elevation: 847.43 feet
  • Down 0.03 feet from Oct. 9, 2019
  • 0.27 feet below 100-year flood (which is 847.7 feet)
  • 1.10 feet below the historic high (which is 848.53 feet, Sept. 6, 2018)

Update 10:46 a.m., Oct. 9, 2019: 

Wingra Path under John Nolen is back open. The water receded. The path is open for use.

Update 1:23 p.m., Oct. 7, 2019:
Press Release: Dry stretch will help lake levels, Lake Mendota crests

City Engineering expects the dry forecast for this week to likely help lower lake levels. The next significant threat of rain is expected Thursday, Oct. 10. City officials will monitor the forecast and provide more information later this week.

Lake Monona has gone down slightly since last Saturday, and we expect this to continue through at least Thursday. Lake Mendota is cresting. Dane County may need to increase the flow out of the Tenney Dam this week to lower Lake Mendota. This may have a minor impact on the water levels on the Yahara River through the isthmus.

City crews will continue to monitor the flow in the Yahara River, the release rate at the Tenney Dam, the weather forecast and any potential impacts on streets and bike paths.

Current Lake levels: Oct. 7, 2019

• Lake Mendota
  • Current elevation: 852.09 feet
  • Up 0.01 feet from Oct. 6, 2019
  • 0.71 feet below the 100-year flood (which is 852.80 feet)
  • 0.65 feet below historic high (Historic High is 852.74, June 6, 2000)
• Lake Monona
  • Current elevation: 847.58 feet
  • Down 0.07 feet from Oct. 6, 2019
  • 0.12 feet below 100-year flood (which is 847.7 feet)
  • 0.95 feet below the historic high (which is 848.53 feet, Sept. 6, 2018)

Over the weekend, Madison received about a half of inch of rain on Saturday, and there were no reports of urban flash flooding. City crews were prepared to respond just in case.

Residents should stay informed even when the City isn’t experiencing a flooding event, by visiting the City’s flooding website. Residents should also report flooding on the City’s report flooding form.

Update 4:54 p.m., Oct. 4, 2019:
Press Release: Significant Flooding Not Expected Saturday

City engineers expect Lake Monona to remain near the 100-year flood stage through Sunday, and dry weather early next week will be helpful and welcome. However, some rain is expected on Saturday.

The National Weather Service expects about less than a half of an inch of rain to arrive on Saturday, Oct. 5. The heaviest rain is expected late afternoon to early evening with lighter rain before and after. The storms will be progressive. Moderate rain is possible at times. If the forecast holds, this rain is not expected to cause significant flooding, but residents and visitors should monitor the weather for changing conditions. If conditions change, the City is prepared to respond. Even a prolonged moderate rain could cause some minor flooding given how high the lake levels are.

Current Lake levels: Oct. 4, 2019

• Lake Mendota
  • Current elevation: 851.97 feet
  • Up 0.15 feet from Oct. 3, 2019
  • 0.83 feet below the 100-year flood (which is 852.80 feet)
  • 0.77 feet below historic high (Historic High is 852.74, June 6, 2000)
• Lake Monona
  • Current elevation: 847.65 feet
  • Unchanged from Oct. 3, 2019
  • 0.05 feet below 100-year flood (which is 847.7 feet)
  • 0.88 feet below the historic high (which is 848.53 feet, Sept. 6, 2018)

Sandbag locations open, available:

• Engineering Service Building, 1600 Emil St.
• Olbrich Park Secondary Boat Launch Parking Lot, 3402 Atwood Ave.
• Olin Park Parking Lot, 1156 Olin-Turville Court
• Spring Harbor Park Parking Lot, 5417 Lake Mendota Dr.
• Tenney Park Beach Parking Lot, 1254 Sherman Ave.
• Thut Park, 2630 Nana Way
• Warner Park Beach Parking Lot, 1101 Woodward Dr.

Visit the City’s flooding website for sandbag information and how to fill and place sandbags properly.

It takes a team

During the past week, City agencies have put in a lot of hours to keep the community safe and informed. City managers monitored the changing weather, the Madison Police Department blocked flooded intersections and crews from the Traffic Engineering Division put up barricades for road closures. The Streets Division supplied other departments with needed materials. The Engineering Division and Parks Division protected property and kept flooded paths open.  Information Technology coordinated digital outreach to keep the public informed. While we anticipate the next rain moving in on Saturday, the coordination between agencies has been vital and smooth, and will continue to be until drier weather arrives next week.

Other reminders

• Don’t drive through standing water.
• Report flooding to Engineering Operations: 608-266-4430 
• When intense rain is predicted, avoid parking in low lying areas of the isthmus and the near east side.
• Avoid parking in other areas known to have flooded in the past.
• Sign up for flooding text alerts for closures.
• Sign up for weekly flooding updates
• Know where the nearest sandbag fill locations are.
• Visit the City’s flooding website for other resources.

Update 6:55 p.m., Oct. 3, 2019: 
Press Release: Next Flood Threat: Saturday

City engineers expect Lake Monona to crest today around the 100-year flood elevation following the rain that came Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Additional rain, forecast for Saturday, is likely to bring Lake Monona water levels at or slightly above the 100-year flood elevation.  A significant lowering of Lake Monona water level prior to Saturday’s rain is not likely.

Urban flash flooding is not a concern through Friday evening. However, the forecast will be monitored for Saturday, Oct. 5.  The National Weather Service expects 0.25-0.75 inches of rain in Madison on Saturday, Oct. 5. Even sustained moderate rains in the East isthmus could cause flash flooding at the current lake and river levels. 

Current Lake levels: Oct. 3, 2019

• Lake Mendota
  • Current elevation: 851.82 feet
  • Up 0.37 feet from Oct. 2, 2019, up 0.84 feet since Oct. 1, 2019
  • 0.98 feet below the 100-year flood (which is 852.80 feet)
  • 0.92 feet below historic high (Historic High is 852.74, June 6, 2000)
• Lake Monona
  • Current elevation: 847.65 feet
  • Up 0.15 feet from Oct. 2, 2019, up 0.67 since Oct. 1, 2019
  • 0.05 feet below 100-year flood (which is 847.7 feet)
  • 0.88 feet below the historic high (which is 848.53 feet, Sept. 6, 2018)

Before Saturday

Residents or businesses located in the low-lying areas of the east isthmus and near east side should prepare their property for potential flash flooding. One option would be to fill sandbags at one of the City’s sandbag locations:

• Engineering Service Building, 1600 Emil St.
• Olbrich Park Secondary Boat Launch Parking Lot, 3402 Atwood Ave.
• Olin Park Parking Lot, 1156 Olin-Turville Court
• Spring Harbor Park Parking Lot, 5417 Lake Mendota Dr.
• Tenney Park Beach Parking Lot, 1254 Sherman Ave.
• Thut Park, 2630 Nana Way
• Warner Park Beach Parking Lot, 1101 Woodward Dr.

Residents should bring their own shovel to load sand bags. Visit the City’s flooding website for sandbag information and how to fill and place sandbags properly .
Barricades remain at most low-lying intersections most prone to urban flash flooding again in case they are needed on Saturday. However, all roads and major paths are currently open.

Other reminders

• Don’t drive through standing water.
• When intense rain is predicted, avoid parking in low lying areas of the isthmus and the near east side.
• Avoid parking in other areas known to have flooded in the past.
• Sign up for flooding text alerts  for closures.
• Sign up for weekly flooding updates
• Know where the nearest sandbag fill locations are.
• Visit the City’s flooding website for other resources.

Update 8:45 a.m., Oct. 3, 2019: 

• Back Open: Lexington Avenue, west of Stoughton Road.
• Closed: Path along the north side of the Wingra Creek off the frontage road at Olin Turville Park. Detour: Main Wingra Path on the south side of the Wingra Creek.

Update 6:50 p.m., Oct. 2, 2019: 

Press Release: Low Flooding Threat Tonight, Residents Should Prepare For Next Weather System

While the heaviest expected rain has passed, monitoring lake levels and the potential for flash flooding will remain a
priority for City crews. Lake Monona is nearing the 100-year flood stage, and is expected to be at the 100-year flood stage
within a day or two. Urban flash flooding is not a concern for tonight, the forecast will be monitored for Friday and
Saturday. Even moderate rains in the east isthmus could cause flash flooding.

In the meantime, building owners along low-lying areas in the east isthmus such as East Washington Avenue and Livingston Street should prepare now to protect their facilities from flash flooding. Sand and empty sandbags are available at the following locations:

• Engineering Service Building - 1600 Emil Street
• Olbrich Park Secondary Boat Launch Parking Lot - 3402 Atwood Avenue
• Olin Park Parking Lot - 1156 Olin-Turville Court
• Spring Harbor Park Parking Lot - 5417 Lake Mendota Drive
• Tenney Park Beach Parking Lot - 1254 Sherman Avenue
• Thut Park - 2630 Nana Way
• Warner Park Beach Parking Lot - 1101 Woodward Drive

Residents should bring their own shovel to load sand bags. Visit the City’s flooding website for sandbag information and how to fill and place sandbags properly.

Current Conditions

Road and path closures in place:

• Closed: Lexington Avenue, west of Stoughton Road. There is ponding water on the roadway. Lexington Avenue is expected to be closed for days, exact duration not certain at this time.
• Back Open: Yahara River Path under Johnson Street is back open after the river overtopped the banks. Crews sandbagged the river bank and reinstated the pump.
• Closed: North side of the Wingra Creek off the frontage road to Olin Turville Park. Main Wingra Path remains open.

Lake levels:

• Lake Mendota
  • Current elevation: 851.45 feet
  • Up 0.45 feet from Oct. 1, 2019
  • 1.35 feet below the 100-year flood (which is 852.80 feet)
  • 1.29 feet below historic high (Historic High is 852.74, June 6, 2000)
• Lake Monona
  • Current elevation: 847.5 feet
  • Up 0.52 feet from Oct. 1, 2019
  • 0.2 feet below 100-year flood (which is 847.7 feet)
  • 1.03 feet below the historic high (which is 848.53 feet, Sept. 6, 2018)

Last 24 hours

Over the last 24 hours, City crews set up barriers, road closures, generators for intersection lights, cleared inlets and storm drains of debris and helped remove stranded vehicles.
The Madison area got 3.5 inches of rain, and multiple intersections and roads were washed over with standing water. At about 9:15 p.m., Oct. 1, at north First Street/East Johnson Street/Packers Avenue, there were 20 vehicles stalled in roughly thigh-deep water. Madison Police worked with Traffic Engineering to respond with barricades and traffic control. The water subsided around 2 a.m., Oct. 2, which allowed tow trucks to haul the disabled vehicles away.

Stay connected, informed

Residents and visitors should remain cautious when driving and should report significant flooding to City Engineering Operations 608-266-4430 and on the City’s Report Flooding Form.

Residents should plan ahead if possible:

• Don’t drive through standing water.
• When intense rain is predicted, avoid parking in low lying areas of the isthmus and the near east side.
• Avoid parking in other areas known to have flooded in the past.
• Sign up for flooding text alerts for closures.
• Sign up for weekly flooding updates.
• Know where the nearest sandbag fill locations are.
• Visit the City’s flooding website for other resources.

Update 9:15 a.m., Oct. 2, 2019: 

• Back Open: Inbound Packers/Johnson is now open through the N. First St. intersection
• Lexington Avenue (west of Stoughton Road), anticipated to be closed for several days
• Back Open: Third (Packers to Dayton)
• Back Open: Dayton (Sixth to First)
• Back Open: Sixth (Dayton to Packers)
• Bike path closure: Yahara River Path at Johnson St., not passable

• All Metro Transit buses are back on track with no missed stops due to flooding.

Latest Update 7:30 a.m., Oct. 2, 2019: 

• Closed for morning commute: First and Johnson, and motorists should take East Washington at Aberg

• Back Open: North Second Street from Mifflin to East Johnson 
• Back Open: Mifflin/Livingston
• Back Open: First (E. Washington to Johnson) 
• Closed just inbound: Johnson (Fordem to Sixth)
• Closed: Third (Packers to Dayton) 
• Open: Second at Dayton 
• Closed: Dayton (Sixth to First) Crews are currently working to reopen, should be open shortly. 
• Back Open: Mifflin/First
• Closed: Sixth (Dayton to Packers) 
• Open: John Nolen 
• Open: Inbound E. Washington at Burr Jones Park 
• Closed: Lexington Ave (west of Stoughton Rd)

Update 7 a.m., Oct. 2, 2019: 

• Closed: Lexington west of Stoughton
• Closed: Johnson Street inbound at First Street, crews are currently working to get this open.

Update 6 a.m., Oct. 2, 2019: 

• Closed for morning commute: First and Johnson, and motorists should take East Washington at Aberg
• Open: North Second Street from Mifflin to East Johnson 

Update 1:15 a.m., Oct. 2, 2019:

• Back Open: Mifflin/Livingston
• Closed: First (E. Washington to Johnson)
• Closed: Johnson (Fordem to Sixth)
• Closed: Third (Packers to Dayton)
• Closed: Second at Dayton
• Closed: Dayton (Sixth to First)
• Closed: Mifflin/First
• Closed: Sixth (Dayton to Packers)
• Open: John Nolen
• Open: Inbound E. Washington at Burr Jones Park

Latest Update 12:30 a.m., Oct. 2, 2019:

First Street and Johnson intersection will most likely be closed for the morning rush. Crews will eventually need to work on traffic control on the First/Johnson intersection once water resides. City crews are monitoring inbound Packers Avenue onto Aberg Avenue to East Washington, which may prompt closure, however remains open right now.

Residents and visitors should remain cautious when driving and should report significant flooding to City Engineering Operations 608-266-4430.

Update 11:41 p.m., Oct. 1, 2019: 

• Reopened: Mifflin/Livingston intersection 
• Closed: Dayton Street from 6th-1st.
• Closed: Third Street/Johnson Street intersection 
• Closed: Johnson from Fordem to 6th Street 
• Closed Lanes: Water levels on John Nolen Drive subsided from Monona Terrace to Machinery Row. However, John Nolen only has one lane open each direction.
• Closed Lanes: Inbound Washington at Burr Jones Park, right two lanes closed

Update 10:52 p.m., Oct. 1, 2019: 

Traffic Engineering staff is working hard to respond to a number of closed streets and intersections:

• Closed: First Street is closed between Washington and Johnson.
• Closed: intersection of Livingston and Mifflin 
• Lane closures reported on East Washington and John Nolan Drive, still open

If you come across standing water, a closed intersection or flooded street, please do not drive through it. Do not risk your safety. 

Update 10:32 p.m., Oct. 1, 2019: 

City crews are responding to flooded areas of roadways on the east isthmus at several locations. Right now, John Nolan Drive from Monona Terrace to Blair have right lanes closed because it appears inlets are clogged on the east side of the underpass, not due to lake water on the road.

Update 10:15 p.m., Oct. 1, 2019:

City crews are responding to flooded areas of roadways on the east isthmus at several locations. Check back for more details. 

Update 7:25 p.m., Oct. 1, 2019
Heaviest Rain Expected Overnight, Minimal Flooding Reported During the Day

City crews from both Engineering and Traffic Engineering will be on call and ready to respond overnight to flooding concerns and road closures if need be.

During the day, there was reported flash flooding in low-lying areas of the east isthmus in Madison as expected. Storms sewers in low-lying areas, such as the east isthmus, are less effective because the sewers are filled with lake water.  As a result of this morning’s rain, some intersections were closed down temporarily, and have since been re-opened.

Multiple intersections still have orange barriers up in case flash flooding occurs again:

• North Livingston and East Mifflin Street
• East Washington and Livingston Street
• Outbound East Washington at South Baldwin
• Third Street and Johnson Street
• Dayton Street and First Street

The public should continue to be cautious when deciding where to park, drive or be overnight, especially if the location has previously flooded before. Intense rainfall will cause roads to flood again.

Rain is expected to intensify later this evening, with two inches of additional rain likely and locally heavier rain possible.  The line of storms is expected to progress repeatedly over the same areas.  Severe thunderstorms are also possible. 

Engineering crews will remain on standby until the threat of flooding has passed.  

Residents and visitors should remain cautious when driving and should report significant flooding to City Engineering Operations 608-266-4430.

Residents should plan ahead if possible:

• Don’t drive through standing water.
• When intense rain is predicted, avoid parking in low lying areas of the Isthmus and the near east side.
• Avoid parking in other areas known to have flooded in the past.
• Sign up for flooding text alerts for closures.
• Sign up for weekly flooding updates
• Know where the nearest sandbag fill locations are.
• Visit the City’s flooding website for other resources.
• Report flooding when possible on the flooding form.

It is the City’s priority to keep residents safe and keep the community connected with updates as crews continue to monitor the potential for flooding.

Update 9:09 a.m. Oct. 1, 2019
Severe, heavy rain expected, pressure increases on lake, river levels

The City of Madison Engineering Division will monitor the multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected today into Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service reported there is a potential for flash, river and lake level flooding disruptions in the next 24 hours in southcentral Wisconsin, including the City of Madison. If the rain is as heavy as forecast, some residents are likely to experience flash flooding and/or lake level flooding and should prepare as much as possible ahead of time to remain safe.

With lake levels already high, the incoming rain could put even more pressure on the City’s stormwater system. When the stormwater system is holding so much high lake level water, there is less room to hold extra rainwater from heavy rain events, and flooding may result.

Incoming weather

The National Weather Service reports 1.75-2.5 inches of rain is forecast but locally higher amounts of 3-5 inches are possible. A few storms may produce damaging winds and large hail. If the forecast holds, the rain will continue to put pressure on river and lake levels. The added rain could also cause standing water on streets. This happens when drainage systems that discharge into the Yahara River and Lake Monona backup and cause standing water on streets.

Residents who live in low-lying areas should not park cars in areas that have a history of flooding or are at low points in the street. If flash flooding occurs, do not drive into flooded areas. Madison is under a Flash Flood Watch until Wednesday morning.

Some areas of potential concern for flash flooding include but are not limited to the intersections of:

• Blount Street at Mifflin Street
• Dayton Street at Blount Street
• Dayton Street at Livingston Street
• First Street at Johnson Street
• Third Street at Johnson Street
• Fourth Street at Johnson Street
• Livingston Street at Mifflin Street

Engineering crews will remain on standby until the threat of flooding has passed. 

Residents and visitors should remain cautious when driving and should report significant flooding to City Engineering Operations 608-266-4430.

Residents should plan ahead if possible:

• Don’t drive through standing water.
• When intense rain is predicted, avoid parking in low lying areas of the Isthmus and the near east side.
• Avoid parking in other areas known to have flooded in the past.
• Sign up for weekly flooding updates
• Know where the nearest sandbag fill locations are.
• Visit the City’s flooding website for other resources.
• Report flooding when possible on the flooding form.

It is the City’s priority to keep residents safe and keep the community connected with updates as crews continue to monitor the potential for flooding.

Flooding report for Oct. 1, 2019:

Lake Mendota Today

Elevation: 851.00 feet
Change from one week ago: up 0.08 feet
Change from one month ago: up 0.70 feet
Above/below summer maximum: above by 0.90 feet
Above or below 100-year elevation: below 1.80 feet

Lake Mendota

Surface Area: 9,842 surface area acres
Summer Min: 849.6 feet
Summer Max: 850.1 feet
100-year Record: 852.8 feet
Historic High: 852.74 (June 6, 2000)

Lake Monona Today

Elevation = 846.98 feet
Change from one week ago = down 0.17 feet
Change from one month ago = up 0.50 feet
Above/below summer maximum: above by 1.78 feet
Above or below 100-year elevation: below 0.72 feet

Lake Monona Statistics

Surface Area: 3,274 surface area acres
Summer Min: 844.7 feet
Summer Max: 845.2 feet
100-Year Record: 847.7 feet
Historic High: 848.53 (Sept. 6, 2018)

The problem low-ground elevations in the Isthmus area are at about elevation 848.0 to 849.00. These areas drain to Lake Monona and/or the Yahara River mostly at East Washington. closer Monona rises to 847.00 the more ineffective our drainage system in these low areas becomes at addressing high intensity storms (1" or more per hour).