MADISON, WISCONSIN — A system of widespread heavy rainfall is pushing southeast this morning, Saturday, September 19, according to a Saturday Morning Radar Check-In from BAMWeather, based on current radar as of 3:02 a.m. ET. Flash flooding is a concern with this system, as rainfall amounts of up to 3 to 5 inches or more are expected across portions of southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois this morning, with the heaviest activity tracking directly toward Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago and Kalamazoo.
Madison and Southern Wisconsin Sit at the Heart of the Heaviest Rain
If you’re in Madison or across southern Wisconsin, radar shows you sitting directly inside the most intense band of this system, with orange and red returns indicating the heaviest rainfall rates stretching right through your area early this morning. This is the core of the 3 to 5 inch or more totals forecasters are highlighting, meaning residents across Madison, Fond du Lac and Oshkosh should expect the most significant flooding concern of anywhere along the system’s path.
Milwaukee and Racine Track the System as It Pushes Toward Lake Michigan
Just east of Madison, Milwaukee and Racine sit directly in the storm’s path as it continues pushing southeast toward Lake Michigan. Radar shows the same intense orange and red rainfall signature extending right through this corridor, meaning if you’re in the Milwaukee metro, you should expect the heavy rain and associated flash flooding concerns to arrive right alongside, or shortly after, what’s currently affecting Madison to your west.
Chicago Directly in the System’s Path as It Continues Southeast
An arrow on this morning’s radar graphic points the system’s track directly toward Chicago, confirming the Windy City sits squarely in the path of this heavy rain event. If you’re anywhere in the Chicago metro, including Waukegan and Gary, expect this system to bring the same flash flooding concerns currently affecting southern Wisconsin as it continues its southeastward push through the morning hours.
Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan Also Directly in the Storm’s Track
A second arrow on the radar graphic points toward Kalamazoo, confirming that southwest Michigan is also directly in this system’s path as it continues moving southeast. If you’re in Kalamazoo, Muskegon or Grand Rapids, don’t assume being farther from the system’s current core near Wisconsin means you’re in the clear; radar tracking shows this activity heading your way as the morning progresses.
Rockford, Dubuque and Eastern Iowa See the System’s Western Edge
On the western side of the system, radar shows heavy activity extending back through Rockford, Illinois, and into Dubuque and Waterloo, Iowa, along with Cedar Rapids and Davenport. If you’re anywhere along this western edge of the storm, you’re seeing some of the same intense rainfall rates affecting Wisconsin, meaning the flash flooding concern extends well beyond just the Madison-to-Chicago corridor into eastern Iowa as well.
Green Bay and Northeastern Wisconsin See Lighter but Still Active Rain
To the north, Green Bay and the surrounding area show lighter, more scattered activity on radar compared to the intense core farther south, with greens and yellows rather than the deeper oranges and reds seen near Madison and Milwaukee. If you’re in this part of northeastern Wisconsin, expect rain today, but likely at a less extreme intensity than what’s being forecast for communities closer to the system’s primary track.
Fort Wayne and Northern Indiana Sit Just Outside the Heaviest Activity
Farther southeast, Fort Wayne and northern Indiana show only scattered, lighter radar returns as of early this morning, positioned outside the most intense part of today’s system. If you’re in this area, keep an eye on updated radar throughout the morning, since the system’s continued southeastward push could still bring additional rain your way even if you’re not currently seeing the heaviest totals affecting Wisconsin and Illinois.
Why Flash Flooding Is the Primary Concern With This System
With rainfall totals reaching 3 to 5 inches or more in such a concentrated area, forecasters are specifically flagging flash flooding as today’s primary hazard rather than just heavy rain alone. That kind of rainfall, falling over a relatively short window, can quickly overwhelm storm drains, creeks and low-lying roads, particularly in urban areas like Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago where impervious surfaces make it even harder for that much water to soak into the ground.
How to Track This System as It Continues Moving Southeast
For anyone across southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois or southwest Michigan, forecasters recommend tracking this system closely through the BAM Weather App as it continues its push southeast through the morning. If you’re in Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago or Kalamazoo, avoid driving through any flooded roadway today, and keep in mind that even communities just outside today’s heaviest core, like Fort Wayne, should stay weather aware as this system continues tracking through the region.
