West Allis residents watching the rising water closely

WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- As the raindrops fell on Thursday, April 18th in a pond in Ted Sparangis' yard on Root River Parkway, Sparangis said this is nothing out of the ordinary.

"I'm used to it, but it will go down. As soon as the water goes down on the road, this will go down probably in a day or so," Sparangis said.

Sparangis said this happens every couple of years, and it's been even worse in years past.

The reaction from onlookers was a whole different story.

"I thought I've got to see what the Root River looks like and I'm shocked that it's high," onlooker Barry Hintz said.

Several roads were blocked off in West Allis due to the flooding, prompting many people to stay at home.

"I don't drive today -- not with this weather. I don't think so, but you know it's terrible. I never see a lot of water like today," West Allis resident Hilda Ruiz said.

Some still braved the high water on the roadways, and a few may have regretted it.

"I see them they get stuck once in a while trying to drive through and their engine gets wet and they get stuck," Sparangis said.

"It's funny to see all of the dead-enders drive by because that side's all flooded," West Allis resident Brandi Bacon said.

As for Sparangis, luckily his home wasn't damaged. Now it's just a waiting game for the flood water to recede.

"I'd like for it to dry out. I think I'm going to be cutting a lot of grass because it's going to be growing pretty fast but it's kind of a mess," Sparangis said.