Water Utility

We have a potentially threatening weather forecast. Check the latest weather forecast frequently. A small amount of rain will cause more pooling and potential lane closures.

Don’t be complacent, the threat of river and lake flooding along with urban flash flooding is just as high as it was earlier in the week. Do not remove any sandbags. The City will announce a plan for sandbag collection once staff feels that flood threats have diminished.  

Check your sandbags to make sure they are tight to each other. You need to be prepared. If there is leakage, you will need a pump to remove any water coming through the bags.

In low-lying areas of the east isthmus and other low-lying areas City-wide, expect flooding to occur with rain amounts that would not have caused a problem in the past.

Lake levels on Mendota have decreased one inch in the last 24 hours, and over two and a half inches at storm high. The County continues to manage and monitor lake levels closely.

City of Madison boat launches are now open. Boaters must exercise caution while accessing piers and be aware of floating debris. Slow-no-wake restrictions continue on all area lakes.

When rain is predicted, keep your car safe and avoid parking your car on streets and in lower levels of parking structures that are low-lying areas when rain is predicted.
Provide extra time when arriving at today’s UW Football Game and use caution when leaving. City Traffic Engineering has provided the following reminders:

• Williamson Street will remain open to four lanes of traffic. Staff have determined that additional lanes of traffic need to be open until the danger of flooding has passed. The Madison Police Department is providing additional enforcement of the 25 mph speed limit of Williamson St. At this time, East Johnson remains closed and open lanes on East Washington Avenue are determined by the amount of pooling that occurs.
• Monroe Street is still under construction and only one lane of traffic (inbound) is open. The UW Madison Athletic Department is continuing to stress alternate routes to Camp Randall, as well as the utilization of shuttle buses.
• Stay safe, don’t drive on flooded streets.
• Expect delays and plan extra time.

Continue to monitor cityofmadison.com/flooding for the latest updates on flood conditions.