The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch from Tuesday afternoon to Friday morning this week for parts of east central, southeast and south central Wisconsin, including Dane County.

Residents are expecting several rounds of moderate rainfall and thunderstorms in the next three days and forecasts with totals of two to three inches, according to a National Weather Service statement.

A flood watch indicates potential flooding based on current forecasts, but according to University of Wisconsin expert on Wisconsin and Great Lakes weather Jordan Gerth, flood watches are typically not serious for people who live away from rivers and in areas with proper drainage.

“Flash flooding – flooding which results from rain over a short period of time, such as an hour or two – is much worse for the campus community,” Gerth said in an email to The Badger Herald. “Fortunately, that is not anticipated over the next few days. We are looking at a long period of cold rain.”

The worst flooding that ever happened in the campus area was on July 27, 2006, when the student apartment underground parking lot was completely underwater, and cars were floating in the parking lot near the UW Police Department, Gerth said.

In addition to the rainfalls, forecasts show that Madison is expecting a mixture of rain and snow showers later this week with the temperature dropping back to the 30s. 

“The biggest impact from the flood watch and ensuing rain will probably be the increased misery of the cool and damp weather as many students eagerly await spring,” Gerth said. “Then again, April showers bring May flowers.”

The National Weather Service statement suggested close monitoring and closing of roads in low-lying areas.