The city of Madison — which was hit both by flash flooding in a torrential downpour last August and steeped in floodwater for weeks as the lake water overwhelmed storm sewers on the Isthmus — has been studying the effects of the heavy rainstorm and other rain events on eight different watersheds across the city, Engineering Division spokeswoman Hannah Mohelnitzky said.

Future flood prevention and storm water management has been a priority of the Engineering Division since last summer, Mohelnitzky said.

Because the current lake levels are not drastically high, the city is not concerned at this time that the Isthmus or other low-lying areas will experience flooding, but the chance of flash flooding is as unpredictable as the weather.

“Flash flooding can happen at any time, so we keep an eye on every storm,” Mohelnitzky said.

The division hasn’t decided on any new practices for flood prevention yet, she said, because it is still gathering data on the watersheds and what areas of the city face the greatest threats from heavy rainstorms. As part of the watershed studies, the city is holding public hearings and convening focus groups.

“We’re trying to listen and hear where the problems are,” Mohelnitzky said.

The city sends out weekly updates related to its efforts on flooding. Area residents can sign up to receive the updates at go.madison.com/flood-updates.

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