Rains raise flood fears
JANESVILLE — Wooo hoooo! It’s not snowing.
But now we’ve got new problems.
The National Weather Service in Sullivan has issued both a flood warning and flood watch for south central Wisconsin.
“The water is up to the road on South River Road in Afton,” said Sgt. Ken Marquardt of the Rock County Sheriff’s Department. “I know there’s been some flooding in the low areas of Riverside Park.”
Between 7 a.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. today, Janesville received 0.6 inches of rain, according to the Janesville Wastewater Utility Plant. Add that to the snowmelt—remember, we had record amounts of snow—and it adds up to flooding.
Fortunately, we’re already somewhat prepared.
“We’ve had sand bags since January,” said Shirley Connors, Rock County Emergency Management Director.
In January, ice jams on the Rock River caused extensive flooding. The river’s highest point this year was 12.21 inches Jan. 23. Several families had to be evacuated.
Connors recently distributed more sand bags to the townships along the river.
Today, widespread rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected.
But some areas could be hit with heavier rainfall, with totals up to 4 inches.
So if you’re not under a flood watch, you’re under a flood warning. And everyone should be aware of the potential for the nasty side effects of today’s thunderstorms.
Here’s how it breaks down:
-- Flood warning: A warning means flooding is expected. At 4 a.m. today, the river’s water level was at 10.53 feet in Newville. Flood stage is 10 feet. At 11.3 feet, knee-deep water breaks over Blackhawk Road, and Lamp Road on the west side of the river also is flooded.
At 6 a.m. today, the Rock River at Afton was at 9.98 feet. Flood stage is 9 feet. At 10.5 feet, water affects some homes, businesses and streets in the Riverside Park and Main Street areas of Janesville.
-- Flood watch: A watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. Today, urban areas will be especially susceptible to flash flooding.
-- Side effects: Hail is the main threat, according to the National Weather Service. However, damaging winds and tornadoes are possible near the Illinois border.
As for the rest of the week, temperatures are expected to be in the 40s and low 50s. And although rain is not back in the forecast until Thursday, flooding is expected to continue because of snowmelt.
Mar 31, 2008 at 11:04 p.m.
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Of course insurance should be required, probably for home ownership in general, as well as on drivers (not just cars IMHO). But flooding can occur, if the circumstances are right (or wrong?), to homes and businesses where it is not "expected". And, to those people finding themselves in a situation like that, whether or not they could or should have foreseen it, it's not as easy as cardtrader suggests to just pick up and leave. At least, wisconsinheat, you were humane in the way you addressed it.
Mar 31, 2008 at 10:40 p.m.
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I empathize with people in that position but my concern is that taxpayers, in the form of government rebuilding funds should not have to cover such losses. If you live in a flood plain it's your choice, but then flood insurance should be REQUIRED.
Mar 31, 2008 at 10:10 p.m.
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The sky is falling! It is raining in Clinton right this minute!
Mar 31, 2008 at 8:58 p.m.
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or should I build an Ark? or just a really big boat! I am scared, as the gutter's in Clinton have a very large stream of water dripping down them... Help
Mar 31, 2008 at 8:52 p.m.
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I am going to build my arc right away and find two of everything.. Every spring the river rises, some years more than others.. and yeap it might flood some houses!
Mar 31, 2008 at 8:35 p.m.
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I just speak it like I see it, it's all about doing your homework, let's get real here people who purchase a home on or near a river are only asking for trouble. Would they buy one next to a waste yard, or how about a nuclear plant. All I'm saying is use common sense when buying a home.
Mar 31, 2008 at 7:08 p.m.
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Cardtrader, you're always so positive and empathetic. It really warms the heart.
Mar 31, 2008 at 6:46 p.m.
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yep, cardtrader, I can't imagine why all 2356 people in Rock County whose houses are obviously in an area in danger of flooding, and the other countless people who had no reason to think their houses would flood don't just put their houses up for sale on the depressed housing market, get the 25% value (if they're lucky) and just move to a dry area. I’m sure there would be an overwhelming number of people who would want to trade places with them. Or, if they can't sell, just buy another house. They can probably get one for a song and dance-then they'll own 2 houses!! I just can't imagine why they didn't think of it before. And they should never buy a house until they see that it will flood. Then they'll be sure. Then, of course, they shouldn’t buy it. They should make sure everyone involved with the sale is honest. If they say it is susceptible to floods, they shouldn’t buy it. (literally). If they say nothing, or say it isn't susceptible to flooding, they shouldn’t buy it. (figuratively AND literally). Thanks cardtrader, for your sympathy, understanding, and wise advice on behalf of these unfortunate, but none too bright, fools. After all, they did bring it on themselves.
Mar 31, 2008 at 6:04 p.m.
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Don't feel sorry for anyone who is not smart enough to move away from flood plains, Wake up people move!!!!
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