Stay Alert: Another Storm is Coming

For Immediate Release
April 17, 2026

The City of Madison reminds residents that another significant storm is forecast for this afternoon, continuing into this evening. There is an enhanced risk of strong winds, hail, and tornadoes in our area. With so many weather events this week, it's important to continue to stay vigilant and informed.

How to Be Prepared

For the latest weather updates, residents should pay attention to local TV weather coverage or weather radios. Additionally, pay attention to emergency sirens and phone alerts. We are also encouraging residents to sign up for Dane County emergency alerts (also known as Rave Alerts).

Sign up for Rave Alerts

Know where to go in the event of a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning. The safest places are typically interior rooms (no windows) on the lowest floor, ideally a basement.

Additionally, please make sure your phone and other battery-powered devices are fully charged just in case there are power outages. Your local library is a good place to charge your phone if you're ever experiencing prolonged power outages.

Library Locations

It's also a good idea to have a Go Kit prepared with essential items you and your household would need during an emergency. These might include flashlights, batteries, snacks, medications, phone chargers, and bottled water. Remember to include food and supplies for your pets.

Additionally, Homeless Services Consortium of Dane County has designated tonight as an "extreme weather night." This means that no person may be turned away from emergency shelter due to capacity or shelter night limits.

Flooding

A flood watch is also in effect until 7 a.m. tomorrow. The National Weather Service expects our area to receive about 0.75 inches to 1.25 inches of rainfall, with some areas locally receiving higher amounts. There has been a lot of rainfall this week and the ground is saturated. This puts additional pressure on our stormwater system.

Please do not drive through flooded roadways.

Flash flooding can potentially happen anywhere in Madison. These particular intersections have historically been prone to flash flooding:

• E. Mifflin St. at N. Livingston St.

• E. Mifflin St. at N. Blount St.

• N. Third St. at E. Johnson St.

• Grand Canyon Dr. at Odana Rd.

• N. Midvale Blvd. at University Ave.

• University Ave. at Highland Ave.

• Marty Rd. at Raymond Rd.

Please report flooding you witness in your neighborhood so the City can proactively respond.

Report Flooding

As always, please remember to check in with neighbors or loved ones that might need help during severe weather events. The forecast shows several days of sunny skies after we get through this storm. Be safe!