Release from City of Madison:
City of Madison staff are monitoring the incoming active storms that are expected to move into our area this afternoon and throughout this weekend. Based on current forecasts, the City does not anticipate a major flooding event at this time. Flash flooding in isolated locations is a possibility, especially during intense rainfall. Engineering crews have been clearing debris from inlets in priority locations to help ensure City storm sewers are functioning as well as possible leading up to the storms.
If anyone experiences flooding or needs to report missing/ajar manhole covers please call 608-266-4430. This will allow the City to triage calls and prioritize its response. If anyone notices blocked inlets, please report it through the City’s Report a Problem portal. Please note, the portal won’t be monitored during the storms but it's helpful information to document for proactive planning and maintenance.
Flood Status: Flood Watch
Dane County is under a flood watch, which is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
There is a potential for flash flooding, which means flash flooding can occur anywhere throughout the City if stormwater infrastructure cannot drain the runoff as quickly as it’s arriving.
The City would also like to encourage the community to avoid any areas that are low-lying and are historically known to flood during heavy rain events. If you come across a road with standing water, it’s best to turn around and avoid the flooded areas.
If residents want to fill sandbags out of precaution, the City’s sand sites are open and available as they are regularly during the season.
Free sand and ready-to-fill bags are available to City residents, not contractors, at the following locations from (mid-April to late October):
Engineering Service Building: 1600 Emil Street
Olbrich Park Secondary Boat Launch Parking Lot: 3402 Atwood Avenue
Olin Park Parking Lot: 1156 Olin-Turville Court
Spring Harbor Park Parking Lot: 5417 Lake Mendota Drive
Tenney Park Beach Parking Lot: 1254 Sherman Avenue
Thut Park: 2630 Nana Way
Warner Park Beach Parking Lot: 1101 Woodward Drive
Flooding Resources
Sign up for Flooding Updates
View the sand location map
Learn more about flooding on the City’s flooding website