North Shore residents watching Milwaukee River level closely

North Shore residents watching Milwaukee River level closely

North Shore residents watching Milwaukee River level closely

MEQUON (WITI) -- Although the rain had stopped on Monday, April 14th -- this weekend's rains led to flooding concerns -- and Flood Warnings were issued for five counties: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine and Sheboygan, as officials monitored flooding concerns along the Fox River, the Root River, the Milwaukee River and the Sheboygan River.

The water was visibly higher along the Milwaukee River near Cedarburg Road on Monday. It caused some road closures in areas that are prone to flooding, and residents living nearby tried to prepare as best they could.

A weekend of rain caused concern on Monday for those living near area rivers -- like the Milwaukee River.

"It started real light, and then it picked up. I was worried we were going to get really bad flooding," Gerry Johnson said.

Johnson lives near Island Drive and Shoreland Parkway in Mequon.

"The water is up to my second bank," Johnson said.

Geese have made themselves at home in Johnson's backyard. Johnson says he's thankful the rain has come to an end.

"Usually when they say it's an inch of rain, it's a foot of rain. As long as (the water) doesn't come up to the house, I'm alright," Johnson said.

Johnson brought in benches and lawn furniture so it wouldn't float away.

On the other side of the river, Sharon Cardiff was doing some work of her own.

"We have to get all of our vehicles out of here. You have to pick up the lawnmower -- everything in the garage or it's floating away. It'll be in the swamp," Cardiff said.

Water spilled from the river, past Cardiff's backyard and into the street ahead.

Vehicles on Monday pushed through the high water on the roads until some had to be closed.

Even though worrying about and dealing with flooding can be a headache, Johnson says there's one positive.

"A little bit of current will bring it in, and then I get the driftwood," Johnson said.

Johnson carves the driftwood into walking sticks and benches.

Cardiff hopes the clouds will break up soon.

"I'm hoping and praying for a lot of sunshine," Cardiff said.

Those who live in the area say it can take days for the water to finally recede. They say although it looks bad, the conditions in Ozaukee County on Monday were nothing compared to the floods in past year -- specifically in 2008. Many in the area had to redo parts of their home that were ruined.