Wisconsin capital fears more flooding

MADISON, Wis. — Authorities in Wisconsin’s waterlogged capital city warned residents Friday that they should be prepared to head for higher ground to escape another round of flooding as more storms headed toward the area.

Madison and the rest of surrounding Dane County are struggling to recover after torrential storms settled over the area Monday night, dumping more than 11 inches of rain in some areas.

The deluge flooded streets, causing power failures and sending cars floating away. A 70-year-old Madison man was killed when he got out of his car and was swept underwater by the current.

Outlying municipalities in the county were hardest hit, with brown water as high as truck cabs filling streets. Preliminary estimates put the damage at $108 million countywide.

The rain has caused long-lasting problems on Madison’s isthmus, a narrow strip of land that runs between lakes Mendota and Monona and is home to the Capitol building and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The rain has driven both lakes to historic levels, Mayor Paul Soglin said at a news conference Friday. City workers have been trying to release water from Lake Mendota, but low-lying streets remained flooded as of Friday afternoon. Soglin predicted commuters will struggle with road closures for days and urged people to work from home through Wednesday.

AP/Wisconsin State Journal/JOHN HART John Roberts (left) and Jake Bisbee tend water pumps Friday in the yard of a neighbor in Monona, Wis., as floodwaters threatened.