Heavy rainfall in SE Wisconsin causes flooded roadways; water drop alert in effect

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Heavy rainfall on Monday, Feb. 27, caused flooded roadways in some parts of southeast Wisconsin. The amount of rain is also sounding the alarm for a water drop alert from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD). 

Streets were blocked off in various points around the Milwaukee area, with high water levels making it unsafe to drive in some vehicles. 

In West Allis, city officials warned drivers to avoid areas between Root River Pkwy between Cleveland and National Avenues. It appears at least two vehicles got stuck in the floodwaters. 

The MMSD is urging people throughout Milwaukee County to be conservative with their water usage. How? Take shorter showers, put off doing the dishes, and give your washing machine a break. 

The MMSD says the purpose of the alert is to help reduce sewer overflow. 

They say their facilities and deep tunnel system can only clean and store so much water in a day. They say their highest priority is preventing sewage from backing up into your basement which could pose a bigger risk. 

"Basement backing up sewage backing up into people's basements is a public health issue and so when we have days like today, where we are getting really heavy rain and it's warmer so there is snow melt, we have our water reclamation facilities can only treat so much water every day," said Christina Taddy, public engagement manager for MMSD. 

As of right now, the water drop alert is still active. That is until the heavy rain spout has passed. 

For information on the alert and how long it will be in effect, you can text "waterdrop" to 414-296-4422.