MILWAUKEE/SULLIVAN - Flood watches and warnings have returned to the area, with a total rainfall of 2.5 to 3.5 inches expected over a two-day period.
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Sugar River at Brodhead until Sunday afternoon, April 21.
Flood watches are in effect through the weekend for some southern Wisconsin communities. Local rivers in the flood watch include East Pecatonica River near Blanchardville and Pecatonica River at Martintown until Monday afternoon, April 22.
Moderate to heavy rain from strong thunderstorms is expected through Thursday, April 18, falling on soil already saturated from recent rains. Some storms could produce small hail.
Rain last week brought soil moisture a foot below surface level to about 31 percent as of April 16, up from 16 percent on April 1, breaking the drought conditions Green and Lafayette counties have seen June of last year, according to Mark Mayer, UW Extension agriculture agent.
Mayer said there is "not a panic situation getting the crops in."
"The ideal time to plant corn in southern Wisconsin is May 1," but after mid-May every day planting is a delay that reduces corn yields by 2 percent, he added. "If the rain continues, we'll have to have time to dry out" before farmers can begin planting.
Many rivers and streams in southern and eastern Wisconsin are either running high or flooding already, according to the NWS.
Rivers are expected to reach flood stage, and those already at flood stage will worsen to moderate and major flood levels. The saturated ground will cause ponding and water-covered roads, even away from waterways and especially in low-lying areas, bringing a chance of urban flooding.
Green County Emergency Management, the Monroe City Street Department and downtown Monroe business owners had not reported any serious basement flooding as of Wednesday.
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Sugar River at Brodhead until Sunday afternoon, April 21.
Flood watches are in effect through the weekend for some southern Wisconsin communities. Local rivers in the flood watch include East Pecatonica River near Blanchardville and Pecatonica River at Martintown until Monday afternoon, April 22.
Moderate to heavy rain from strong thunderstorms is expected through Thursday, April 18, falling on soil already saturated from recent rains. Some storms could produce small hail.
Rain last week brought soil moisture a foot below surface level to about 31 percent as of April 16, up from 16 percent on April 1, breaking the drought conditions Green and Lafayette counties have seen June of last year, according to Mark Mayer, UW Extension agriculture agent.
Mayer said there is "not a panic situation getting the crops in."
"The ideal time to plant corn in southern Wisconsin is May 1," but after mid-May every day planting is a delay that reduces corn yields by 2 percent, he added. "If the rain continues, we'll have to have time to dry out" before farmers can begin planting.
Many rivers and streams in southern and eastern Wisconsin are either running high or flooding already, according to the NWS.
Rivers are expected to reach flood stage, and those already at flood stage will worsen to moderate and major flood levels. The saturated ground will cause ponding and water-covered roads, even away from waterways and especially in low-lying areas, bringing a chance of urban flooding.
Green County Emergency Management, the Monroe City Street Department and downtown Monroe business owners had not reported any serious basement flooding as of Wednesday.