Rain, Snowmelt Prompts Minor Flooding On Root River In Franklin: NWS

FRANKLIN, WI — A flood warning remains in effect on the Root River in Franklin after heavy rain and snow melt from Monday continues to affect some waterways in southeastern Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service.

The minor flooding is expected to last into early Wednesday afternoon, according to the NWS. The river was at 8.3 feet by 9 p.m. Monday. It takes 7 feet for the Root River to reach a stage where there is overflow in lower natural banks, and about 8 feet to be considered flood stage.

By early Tuesday, the river was expected to crest to about 8.6 feet, the NWS said, before falling below flood stage Tuesday night. The NWS compared the flooding to a crest that happened of 8.6 feet in May, 2004. If the river reaches 9 feet, parts of the Root River Parkway flood, alongside a part of Oakwood Road and some yards along the river. The NWS noted there is a 20 percent chance of such flooding in any year.

A low spot on Oakwood Road floods at 8 feet, the NWS said. Other effects from the flooding into the morning are mainly confined to farmland.

Amid the surge, forecasters reminded drivers to not drive around barricades or drive through flooded areas. People should also exercise caution when walking near riverbanks, the NWS said.

The river was observed at its highest early Tuesday morning at 8.44 feet, with levels forecast to fall to 7.8 feet by 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to the NWS.