Madison flooding could block main drag

Clean-up continued Thursday from this week’s massive storm in Dane County as waters in Madison area lakes rose several inches, prompting concerns about more flooding and the possibility of closing more roads including a major artery through the state capital.

Madison officials say East Washington Avenue could be closed completely if water levels continue to rise in the two lakes surrounding the city’s isthmus, and in the Yahara River that snakes through the city and under East Washington.

With more rain on the way, authorities were forced on Thursday to increase the amount of water coming from Lake Mendota through the Tenney Dam, which will boost water levels in the Yahara River by as much as another halffoot.

The Yahara River rose 5 inches following Monday’s rainfall and is expected to rise another 3 to 6 inches by Friday. Lake Monona, the isthmus’ second-largest lake, is expected to rise another 3 inches, city spokeswoman Katie Crawley said.

Almost every swimming beach on Lake Mendota was closed because of harmful bacteria in the water. Dane County ordered 100,000 more sandbags as state officials moved a sandbagging machine to Dane County to help low-lying buildings on Lakes Monona and Waubesa.

The National Weather Service forecasts more rain in southern Wisconsin, likely starting after midnight and continuing throughout Friday.

East Johnson Street is closed in both directions at Tenney Park on Lake Mendota and city officials warned that lane closures on East Washington Avenue will be necessary and a full closure is a possibility.

“The rain predicted for Madison on Friday and into next week is a significant concern,” Crawley said.

Gov. Scott Walker visited a Red Cross shelter in Mazomanie on Thursday where the streets were lined with ruined, sopping belongings as residents carried armloads of debris from their homes out to the curb for disposal. Walker met with volunteers and residents affected by the flooding in the village of 1,700.

Meanwhile, University of Wisconsin-Madison officials were watching Lake Mendota water levels, which are expected to rise when rain starts falling Friday, campus spokesman John Lucas said.

Parts of Lakeshore Path — which hugs the lakeshore residence halls and The Union Terrace — are on lower ground. Students move into residence halls next week.