MONROE — Heavy flooding in March brought ruin through several towns in Lafayette and Green Counties, and the last several days have seemed similar. Rainfall has saturated areas, causing street closures, but so far nothing serious.
The National Weather Service reported rainfall at 2.35 inches Wednesday and an additional .71 inches through the night.
Green County Emergency Management Director Tanna McKeon said a few roads are closed in Green County, including Dill Road, Highway MM at Smock Valley Road and Ten Eyck Road. County T near Brodhead may also have to close if water rises anymore, she said.
McKeon hopes motorists will heed the warning signs. A car can be moved in as little as 2 feet of water.
“If people drive around the barricades they’re putting themselves at risk,” McKeon said. “… And if they get caught they’ll get a big fine.”
Looking ahead, McKeon said more rain could be coming — possibly another inch Saturday, Oct. 5. Rivers are still rising, including the Pecatonica that flows through Martintown, which could stay high through October.
Those who think water may come into their home should be prepared. McKeon said sandbags are available at no charge at the Green County Highway Department and those who need them should call before picking some up. Some may be filled, but it’s possible those who need them could have to fill their own. Some townships may also have the bags available, she said.
Cleanup kits are also available at McKeon’s office, leftover from flooding earlier this year, which provide some tools to help clean up after flooding in the home.
Monticello Police Chief Szvon Conway posted several photos on Facebook Oct. 2 showing the flooding, joking that geese were on patrol as they floated in water covering the roadways.
“It was a joy when I came in this morning,” Conway said Thursday, Oct. 3. “The river was down and the water was gone.”
East Lake Avenue, South Pratt Road and East North Avenue all closed for less than 24 hours, Conway said, and he was glad to see the Sugar River quickly dropped.
“The lakefront property is gone,” he said with a laugh. “We can see grass again.”
Conway also noted that he wasn’t aware of any homeowners reporting water inside their home.
Towns in Dane, Green and Lafayette Counties continue to be affected by the rainfall. The Darlington Police Department closed the Main Street Bridge at midnight Thursday, Oct. 3 due to flooding and motorists were asked to seek an alternate route. Darlington Schools also closed Oct. 3.
Several roads were also closed in Stephenson County, Illinois.
Belleville Police responded to storm-related incidents earlier last week, and are being assisted by Dane County Emergency Management to assess damage related to the storms. The National Weather Service reported that it was inspecting damage in Belleville Oct. 2. WKOW-TV reported a possible tornado touched down in Belleville, which caused a residential gas leak and led neighbors to evacuate the local high school.