Wildfire Smoke and Severe Thunderstorms in the East; Monsoon Thunderstorms in the Southwest

Wildfire smoke continues to impact air quality from the Great Lakes region into New England and the Mid-Atlantic today with widespread Air Quality Alerts in effect. Severe thunderstorms are expected across portions of the Ohio Valley and Lower Great Lakes into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, this afternoon into the evening. Monsoonal thunderstorms may bring areas of flooding to the Southwest. Read More >

Flood Safety Awareness Week in Wisconsin is March 9 - 13, 2026.

Flooding is one of the most frequently occurring natural disasters in Wisconsin and is one of the top causes of weather related fatalities across the U.S.

Take time now to understand flood risks in your area and how to protect yourself, your family and your property.

Prepare
Staying Safe
Flood Statistics
Flood Forecast Information

Prepare

Prepare Yourself and Your Family

Monitor weather forecasts for heavy rain potential
Have a communications plan for your family and a place to meet in higher ground.
Know a safe way to enter and exit your home and neighborhood and avoid any roads susceptible to flooding
Get a NOAA Weather Radio to be alerted to flash flood warnings and river flood warnings. Tune in to multiple sources of weather information during heavy rain and storms.
Build an emergency kit with food, water, cash, medications, and a charged power source.
Make sure wireless emergency alerts are enabled on your phone

Prepare Your Home

Consider flood insurance, regardless of your location, but especially if you are in a flood prone area.
- Most insurance policies do not cover flooding. Once purchased, it may require 30 days to take effect.
- Consult your insurance agent or floodsmart.gov
Make sure your sump pump is working and consider a battery backup, in case power is out
Have a professional install check-values to prevent floodwaters from backing up into the drains and sewer line of your home
Keep important documents or valuables in a waterproof, elevated container, that is not in the basement
Elevate or flood-proof your washer, dry, water heater, and HVAC systems. Raise electrical outlets.
Remove snow from roof, downspout area, and away from base of home. Clean gutters and downspouts, cover window wells, improve grading around your house, and repair cracks in your foundation.
Secure outdoor belongings and finish any outdoor projects that may be affected by heavy rain or flood waters
More preparedness information on the NWS Flood Safety Site

Know Your Flood Risk

Consult FEMA flood maps to assess your underlying risk
But note that flooding can occur anywhere and anytime of the year And every area has a risk if weather conditions allow

Staying Safe

Turn Around, Don't Drown - Never drive through flooded roads

https://youtu.be/uptd0ny-8v0

You do not know how deep the water is or if the road has been washed out
You may damage or destroy your vehicle
You put yourself, your family and first responders at risk
You may be stranded for many hours

Never go into flood waters. They can be dirty with bacteria, chemicals, sharp objects, or downed power lines.
Stay tuned to weather forecasts.
Make sure wireless emergency alerts are enabled on your phone

Flood Statistics

The majority (81%) of Wisconsin flood related flood fatalities occur when people go to flooded areas.

Nationally, over 50% of flood fatalities vehicle related.

Historical floods in Wisconsin

Flood Forecast Information

NWS River Forecasts

Additional river observations available from the USGS

Rainfall and Flood Outlooks

3 Day Probabilistic Rainfall