Heavy Rains, Possible Flooding To Hit Southern Wisconsin

Heavy rains are expected across southern Wisconsin Tuesday and into Wednesday morning. A flash flood watch is in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday.

“The reason for the 'flash flood' designation is that the resulting flooded conditions can happen over a very short period of time due to rainfall rates that can be as high as 1.5 inches/hour,” says Mike Westendorf, director of operations of Innovative Weather.

READ: When It Comes To Flooding, Can Milwaukee Cope?

Through Wednesday morning, he says southeastern Wisconsin could see 1.5 to 3 inches of rainfall, with up to 4 inches possible.

Westendorf says heavy rains can be quite common in the Plains and Upper Midwest.

“These heavy rain events actually happen all the time in our part of the country, especially from July through September when stationary fronts are slower moving and more common,” he explains. “However, they don't happen to a specific area every year.”

With so much rain like this, Westendorf says rivers, creeks and runoff areas will have stronger currents.

“A good reminder for parents to talk with their children about staying away.  Especially with these warmer temperatures this afternoon where it feels more like summer and kids are more apt to want to play in the rain,” he explains.

For tips on how to prepare for flooding and other disasters, visitready.gov.