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Wind damage, flooding seen in Rock, Walworth counties

JANESVILLE — Severe thunderstorms wreaked havoc in Rock and Walworth counties Sunday, causing flash floods and pummeling trees and power lines.

Three waves of storms blew through the area, prompting the National Weather Service in Sullivan to issue severe thunderstorm warnings at 2:40 p.m., 4:21 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

The first storm reportedly blew trees into roads in Evansville, Milton Township and other parts of Rock County, said Alex Lamers, National Weather Service meteorologist.

The Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport recorded a 48 mph gust of wind, he said.

The storm continued into northern Walworth County, where it toppled a power line west of Elkhorn, Lamers said.

A weather spotter north of East Troy estimated winds at more than 60 mph, he said.

The second storm raged into Rock County and destroyed more trees in the region, Rock County Sheriff's Sgt. Josh Lund said.

A power line along Highway 59 north of Milton was knocked down, exposing live wires, he said.

Both storms moved east and went over Lake Michigan. No funnel clouds were reported.

Most areas of Rock County received less than 1 inch of rain from the first two storms, but the western part of the county had up to 2 inches of rain, he said.

The rain came down hard and fast, however, causing flash floods in Janesville, Lund said.

Roads quickly filled with water in many city streets, making it difficult for motorists to drive. Once the rain stopped, the water drained and roads cleared.

Today is expected to bring a 50-percent chance of thunderstorms, according to the weather service. The high temperature is expected to be 84 degrees, with a low of 60.

Tuesday is expected to be sunny, with a high of 80.