Flash Flood in Dodge County, Wisconsin

Clusters of thunderstorms with heavy rains generated WSR-88D Doppler Radar rainfall estimates of 5 to 6 inches within 4 to 6 hours in Cambria (Columbia Co.), resulting in flash flooding. Further east, Randolph (Dodge Co.) was hit with a flash flood after torrential rainfalls (unofficial) of 8.6 inches fell during the evening hours of June 9th, followed by another 2.20 inches overnight. Interestingly, Randolph picked up 13.6 inches of rain in May, 2004, and 13 inches in June, 2004. Between May 7, 2004 and June 11, 2004, this city measured 25.60 inches of rain (normal for the entire year is bout 33 inches). Randolph sits a large bowl-shaped depression that has no outside drainage, which applified the flooding problem. The flash flood in Randolph flooded at least 300 homes, in some cases up to the 1st-floor windows. At least 15 homes had major flood damage, and 24 businesses were damaged. Numerous families were evacuated, and flood waters didn't recede until June 12th. In Cambria, Tarratt Lake on Duck Creek burst through a dam that supported STH 146. At least half of the road was washed away at that location, resulting in closure of that road for much of the remainder of the summer due to repairs. Luckily the dam didn't have a complete collapse, and no homes or businesses were damaged.