Flash Flood and Flooding in Wisconsin, June 12, 2000

Several rounds of thunderstorms moved west to east across the same locations and dumped enough rain to cause flash flooding in the city of Kenosha (Kenosha County). Newspaper accounts indicated that 3 to 6 inches of rain fell across Kenosha County, with a measured 3.84 inches at the Kenosha Airport. Roughly 100 roads were closed due to water depths of 2 to 5 feet in low spots, especially in the cities of Kenosha, Somers, and Bristol. The flooding in the city of Kenosha was described as the worst in 15 years, and numerous homes and businesses reported varying degrees of damage to contents, and landscaping. Overall, hundreds of basements and numerous municipal pools were flooded. Many roads sustained gravel shoulder washouts, and many vehicles were floating the swirling flood waters. Motorists were rescued from at least 130 vehicles. About a dozen homes were evacuated in the cities of Pleasant Prairie and Somers. Near Powers Lakes an earthen berm gave way, allowing water to flood several roads. Needless to say, extensive crop damage in the millions of dollars was noted as flood waters flooded low spots, eroded slopes, or simply washed crops away. Elsewhere, urban/small stream flooding occurred n and near the city of Sturtevant (Racine Co.), and at scattered locations across Dane County. Two to 4 inches of rain fell over parts of Dane County, resulting in the evacuation of at least 2 dozen homes, and the closure of about 100 intersections in Madison and surrounding cities. Minor flood damage was noted in some basements, and officials had to clean up flood debris from low spots and intersections. In and around Sturtevant, water was reported to be 6 inches deep on roads, and roadside ditches were full.