A warm front extended west to east across the Upper Mississippi River Valley on June 7, which provided the focus for thunderstorms producing excessive rainfall and other severe weather. In fact, these storms exhibited very high rainfall rates, which led to 1 to 2 inch rainfall amounts in an hour or so. As the storms congealed into a larger scale line of thunderstorms, they continued to move over the same areas, which led to significant flash flooding through the evening and overnight.
On June 8, this same warm front lingered across the region, but a cold front approached from the northern Plains. Showers and storms would redevelop during the day in the vicinity of the warm front, while a line of storms developed out ahead of the cold front, with these tracking across the region Sunday night. Again, copious amounts of moisture lead to periods of heavy rain.
The heavy rainfall on June 8 enhanced the already dangerous flooding conditions across parts of southwest Wisconsin. Many roads were already closed from the June 7 rains due to water over the roadways, mudslides, or partial washouts. Conditions only worsened, leading to more road closures, sandbagging, and some evacuations.
While the rain was tapering off and moving east Sunday night, June 8, the rivers continued to rise, and some extremely quickly. Some rivers responded with a foot per hour rises, while others eventually exceeded their river gauges ability to record the river levels. These gauges were under water themselves! All-time record crests were set at a few locations, with top 5 records at many others.
Damage to infrastructure and crops was preliminarily estimated at 75 to 85 million dollars. As a result, Crawford, Grant, Juneau, Monroe, Richland and Vernon Counties in central and southwest Wisconsin were declared federal disaster areas.

Flood in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 06:00:00 to 12-JUN-08 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: READSTOWN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 500.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Kickapoo River at Readstown crested at a record level of 19.65 feet around 7 a.m. on June 9. The previous record crest of 19.08 feet occurred on July 21, 1951. Flood stage is 12.0 feet.

Flood in LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN
From 07-JUN-08 16:30:00 to 08-JUN-08 05:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: LA CROSSE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 400.00K
Crop damage: 300.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy rains led to flooding over parts of the county, especially the southern tier where ponding of water flooded some basements and damaged secondary roads.  About 60 residents applied for FEMA assistance.

Flood in GRANT, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 17:26:00 to 10-JUN-08 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MUSCODA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 750.00K
Crop damage: 350.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Water was reported over numerous roads across the county.

Flood in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 07:30:00 to 10-JUN-08 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LA FARGE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.20M
Crop damage: 400.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The lower third of the town of La Farge was evacuated and Highway 82 west of town was impassable.

Flash Flood in CRAWFORD, WISCONSIN
From 07-JUN-08 19:30:00 to 07-JUN-08 22:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: DE SOTO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 320.00K
Crop damage: 25.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flash flooding was reported in many of the steep valleys with creeks rising rapidly and water over some roads.  Mudslides began along Highway 35 in far western ends of the county.

Flood in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 07-JUN-08 21:55:00 to 08-JUN-08 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: LIBERTY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 800.00K
Crop damage: 350.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Highway 56 was closed between Viroqua and Viola due in part to flooding of Bishop Branch.

Flood in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 07:30:00 to 10-JUN-08 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: VALLEY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 850.00K
Crop damage: 300.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Warner Creek was nearly over a bridge along County Road P, which was closed west of the town of Valley.

Flood in CRAWFORD, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 19:29:00 to 10-JUN-08 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: PRAIRIE DU CHIEN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 275.00K
Crop damage: 150.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water covered secondary roads and sections of Highway 131. Some mudslides occurred along Highway 35, which resulted in closure of one lane.

Flash Flood in JUNEAU, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 15:51:00 to 08-JUN-08 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELROY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 275.00K
Crop damage: 150.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Mudslides were reported along Highway 80. A trailer park was evacuated.

Flash Flood in CRAWFORD, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 02:30:00 to 08-JUN-08 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: FERRYVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A mud slide occurred on County Road B about 4.5 miles from Highway 27.

Flash Flood in RICHLAND, WISCONSIN
From 07-JUN-08 19:50:00 to 08-JUN-08 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAZENOVIA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.10M
Crop damage: 1.00M
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Water was reported over several roads, including County Road I and Highway 58.

Flood in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 18:00:00 to 09-JUN-08 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HILLSBORO KCKAPOO AR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 900.00K
Crop damage: 300.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The South Branch of the Baraboo River at Hillsboro reached a crest of 14.91 feeet around Midnight CDT on June 8th, only to reach a second crest of 16.17 feet around 9 p.m. CDT later that day.  This was a record crest for this location.  The previous record crest was 15.6 feet on June 29, 1990. Flood stage is 13.0 feet.

Flood in RICHLAND, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 07:30:00 to 10-JUN-08 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAND PRAIRIE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.40M
Crop damage: 1.00M
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Travel across Richland County was very difficult due to ongoing flooding. Numerous roads were closed, including Highways 131, 56 and 80, as well as County Roads C, F, Q, E, and U.

Flash Flood in GRANT, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 04:10:00 to 08-JUN-08 07:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: MUSCODA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 750.00K
Crop damage: 300.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous mudslides were reported, along with high water in valleys.

Flash Flood in JUNEAU, WISCONSIN
From 07-JUN-08 17:57:00 to 07-JUN-08 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELROY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 110.00K
Crop damage: 70.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flash flooding hit parts of southern Juneau County hard with water over several roads and some mudslides.  Many area creeks rose very rapidly as well.

Flood in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 07:30:00 to 10-JUN-08 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HILLSBORO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 800.00K
Crop damage: 300.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water was reported to be over Highway 80 south of Hillsboro. Unofficially Hillsboro picked up 7.55 inches of rain over the weekend.

Flood in JUNEAU, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 10:15:00 to 10-JUN-08 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MAUSTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 3.50M
Crop damage: 900.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

High water caused problems in Elroy due to flooding along the Baraboo River and there were several mudslides. Homes along Lincoln, Lake, South Brooklyn, and Franklin streets were evacuated after the river broke its banks early Sundy afternoon, June 8th.  About 16 families were displaced in Wonewoc as well. Mudslides began to occur along Highways 82 and 80.
Sections of the Elroy-Sparta State bicycle trail were also damaged and caused a closure.
There was concern about high water in Mauston as well, especially along the Lemonweir River.

Flood in CRAWFORD, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 12:25:00 to 10-JUN-08 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: DE SOTO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 100.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Sandbagging was being done in Steuben. Flooding was reported on numerous township roads. There were numerous rock and mud slides on Highways 35 and 60.

Heavy Rain in LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 19:07:00 to 08-JUN-08 19:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: (LSE)LA CROSSE MUNI
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Total rainfall for the weekend (June 7-8) was 4.40 inches at the La Crosse Mun. Airport.  An amateur radio operator in La Crosse had 3.49 inches.

Flood in JUNEAU, WISCONSIN
From 07-JUN-08 20:01:00 to 08-JUN-08 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: MAUSTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 75.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water was over numerous roads from 3 miles southwest of Mauston to 3 miles southeast of Mauston.

Flood in JUNEAU, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 15:56:00 to 10-JUN-08 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MAUSTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.80M
Crop damage: 460.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Evacuations were needed in many areas due to rising water levels.  Numerous mudslides were also reported.

Flash Flood in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 06:00:00 to 08-JUN-08 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LA FARGE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 750.00K
Crop damage: 250.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Highway 131 was closed between La Farge and Ontario due to flash flooding and mudslides.

Flood in CRAWFORD, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 13:30:00 to 17-JUN-08 20:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: STEUBEN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00M
Crop damage: 450.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Kickapoo River at Steuben crested at a record level of 19.15 feet around 2 a.m. CDT on June 10. The previous record crest of 18.0 feet occurred on July 3, 1978. Flood stage is 12.0 feet.

Flood in MONROE, WISCONSIN
From 07-JUN-08 17:01:00 to 08-JUN-08 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: LEON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 30.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Water was reported over Highway 27 at Jackpot Avenue.

Flood in JUNEAU, WISCONSIN
From 07-JUN-08 20:01:00 to 08-JUN-08 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: WONEWOC
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 130.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water was over Geier Road due to flooding from Crossman Creek.

Flash Flood in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 07-JUN-08 23:10:00 to 08-JUN-08 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: LA FARGE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 400.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A mud slide was reported on Munson Road.

Flood in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 07-JUN-08 15:08:00 to 09-JUN-08 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ONTARIO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 750.00K
Crop damage: 250.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Kickapoo River at Ontario crested at a record level of 21.96 feet about 9:45 p.m. CDT on June 8. The previous record crest of 18.85 feet occurred on March 14, 2007. Flood stage is 18.0 feet. The river levels actually dipped just below flood stage around 7:00 a.m. CDT on June 8th before rising very quickly back up. Unoffically Ontario picked up 9.84 inches of rain over the weekend.  Water swamped the intersection of Highways 33 and 131 and backed up into town.  The village's baseball field and nearby parks were submerged along with nearly 3 feet of water into some businesses.

Flood in MONROE, WISCONSIN
From 07-JUN-08 17:10:00 to 08-JUN-08 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SPARTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 732.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Ponding of water was reported just south of Sparta, about one mile south of Interstate 90.  Across the county about 10 percent of the corn crop was damaged or destroyed.

Flood in RICHLAND, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 07:25:00 to 12-JUN-08 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: VIOLA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.20M
Crop damage: 1.00M
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Kickapoo river at Viola reached a record crest of 21.25 feet around 5 a.m. on June 9. The previous record crest of 21.0 feet occurred on July 1, 1978. Flood stage is 14.0 feet.  Water was over bridge railings on the bridges.

Flash Flood in MONROE, WISCONSIN
From 07-JUN-08 17:35:00 to 07-JUN-08 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MELVINA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.35M
Crop damage: 500.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Mudslides forced the closure of some township roads.

Flood in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 07:30:00 to 10-JUN-08 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: COON VLY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 750.00K
Crop damage: 250.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Highway 162 was closed due to high water.  Coon Creek in Coon Valley also flooded and damaged the nearby park.

Flood in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 04:25:00 to 10-JUN-08 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LA FARGE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 600.00K
Crop damage: 600.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Kickapoo River at La Farge reached a record crest of 15.88 feet around midnight on June 9. The previous record crest of 14.92 feet occurred on July 1, 1978. Flood stage is 12.0 feet. Unofficially La Farge picked up 6.39 inches of rain over the weekend.  The southern and eastern parts of town were hardest hit.

Flood in CRAWFORD, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 08:00:00 to 13-JUN-08 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SOLDIERS GROVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00M
Crop damage: 500.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Kickapoo River at Soldiers Grove reached the second highest crest on record of 21.21 feet around 5 a.m. CDT on June 9. The all-time record crest of 21.63 feet was established on July 22, 1951. Flood stage is 13.0 feet.  About 50 to 60 homes were flooded.  The village park and Highway 131 bridge was badly damaged.

Flash Flood in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 07-JUN-08 18:04:00 to 08-JUN-08 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: STODDARD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.25M
Crop damage: 950.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The Vernon County sheriff department received numerous calls about water over roads and backed up drainage areas. In fact, law enforcement officials indicated flooding was worse than the flood of August 18-19 2007. Numerous earthen dams in the county had to be monitored for failure, including the Yttri-Primmer Dam that was heavily damaged. Highway 162 had mudslides over it and was closed in sections.  At peak, 113 roads were closed across the county.

Flood in CRAWFORD, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 07:30:00 to 16-JUN-08 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: STAR VLY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.10M
Crop damage: 400.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Kickapoo River at Gays Mills reached a record crest of 20.44 feet around 10 a.m. CDT on June 9. The previous record crest of 19.80 feet occurred on July 2, 1978. Flood stage is 13.0 feet.  About 175 homes and businesses were flooded.

Flash Flood in GRANT, WISCONSIN
From 08-JUN-08 17:20:00 to 08-JUN-08 20:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: PATCH GROVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.20M
Crop damage: 550.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Highways 35 and 18 were closed due to mudslides and debris.  Trees were even being knocked down by the slides.