City of Madison flooding update - Sunday, 8-26, 1:00 PM

As of this morning, Lake Mendota has dropped about an inch. The Yahara River at East Main Street fell one and a half inches due to reduction in flow. Remaining lakes saw a .75-inch rise. 

According to the National Weather Service, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon. The best chance for storms is 4-10 PM. Some of these storms may be severe with damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rain. Expected rainfall totals are around half an inch in most areas. A few locations with heavier downpours could get .75 or 1 inch.

From Monday night to Tuesday night, additional rainfall is expected, though Central Wisconsin will see more rain than our area.

Dry weather is predicted Wednesday and Thursday.

City Efforts

160,000 sandbags have been distributed to 13 sites providing sand and sandbags for the public to fill. The City is producing 2,000 filled sandbags per hour for public use. City staff, volunteers, and the National Guard continue to help fill and distribute sandbags.

Continue To Prepare For Lake Flooding and Flash Flooding

Sunday morning’s sunny skies do not mean we are in the clear. More rain is on the way, and flood preparations must continue.

·       Check [cityofmadison.com/flooding]cityofmadison.com/flooding frequently for the latest updates and resources.

·       Sandbag your property if you’re in a low-lying area, in areas identified on the City map for isthmus flash flooding, or in areas known to flood in the past.

·       Sandbag the lowest opening of your building (i.e. doors and windows)

·       Acquire a plug for your floor drains, basement sink, and basement toilet. Placing sandbags over the floor drain will provide some level of protection.

·       Move valuables from your basement to other floors.

·       Get a submersible pump, and test your pump if you have one.

Parking Recommendations

·       Do not park on streets in low-lying areas or the lower level of parking garages located in low-lying areas. Move your vehicles now!

·       Do not drive in rain when flash flooding is predicted.

·       Free parking is still available in public parking garages from 9 PM-7AM.

Reduce Traffic Congestion—Use Madison Metro!

Free bus fares will continue through Monday. Customers should monitor [mymetrobus.com]mymetrobus.com for detours and any other changes in service as conditions change.

Those who are able to work from home or telecommute are still encouraged to do so. If you must drive to work, try to do so outside of peak traffic hours, which are typically 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM.

UW-Madison Move-In Underway

Students moving into the dorms this week should take the proper precautions:

·       Avoid the isthmus. Instead, approach campus from the south and west.

·       Expect delays and traffic backups; plan for extra time.

Traffic routes given to UW residents and families in their move-in information are expected to remain open as planned. Visit news.wisc.edu for more information.