According to the National Weather Service, "a flash flood watch remains in effect for all of south central and southeast Wisconsin this afternoon through tonight.  Thunderstorms are expected to deposit a widespread heavy rainfall of 1 to 2 inches during this time.  Locally, higher amounts are possible.

The heavy rainfall will only serve to aggravate the very wet conditions over the region.  Many lakes, rivers and streams will remain flooded when this period of heavy rain arrives later today and this evening.  The heavy rainfall may cause another round of flash flooding.

The dam between upper and lower Phantom Lake near Mukwonago may yet weaken and fail through tonight.  The water level on lower Phantom Lake remains near the top of the dam between upper and lower Phantom Lake, but is slowly falling, according to the latest reports from local officials.

A flash flood watch will remain in effect for the area around Phantom Lake through tonight, due to the threat for a dam failure.  If the dam fails, Interstate 43 between 83 and 164 may need to be closed.  Emergency services is notifying downstream residents and investigating closure of Highway 83.  This is a large watershed, and because of this, the water may remain high for several days."

Yesterday, Gov. Doyle stated that local areas may be able to withstand 1 to 2 inches, but 6 to 7 inches could put the state in an emergency situation.

Governor Doyle flew over the Phantom Lake Dam in a helicopter Wednesday afternoon, as onlookers waited below.

Local officials announced today that they remained hopeful that the dam would not give way; and Governor Doyle said he too was hopeful that due to the decreased water level in the dam and the stabilizing conditions, the dam would remain in tact.

"The good news is, the day of sunshine and wind yesterday has allowed water levels to go down," he said.

As officials continue to monitor the dam, Highway 83 will remain closed to traffic.

Despite the positive outlook, officials are preparing for the worst.  Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas declared the county in a state of emergency and the American Red Cross was on scene.

Doyle explained that the state should be able to handle one to two inches of rain; however any more than that could greatly affect the state.

Kate Hinze with the Red Cross said that they were prepared to open shelters if something should happen to the dam.

Residents of Big Bend and Vernon who may be affected will be evacuated to St. Joseph's Church and school.  Residents of Mukwonago will most likely be evacuated to the Mukwonago High School and middle school.

Hinze encourages people who do evacuate to bring contact information, cell phones, medications and cash with them (power outages may mean ATM's will not be in working order).

Mukwonago Fire Chief Jeff Rolfe and emergency officials are encouraged by reduced water levels in the Phantom Lake Dam.

"The water level at the dam has dropped 1.5 inches since yesterday morning," said Rolfe at a press conference this morning. 

Rolfe also reported that no significant changes have occurred overnight in the condition of the dam and the surrounding soil.

Holtz Parkway, which was closed overnight, has reopened this morning; however Highway 83 still remains closed and will remain closed pending further review of the dam.

Rolfe asked that if anyone observes floating debris on Phantom Lake, they immediately contact the Mukwonago Police Department at 363-6435.  Officials will then try and remove the debris before it reaches the dam.

Officials will reassess the situation at 11:30 this morning.

Governor Jim Doyle will visit the Phantom Lake Dam off Front Street in Mukwonago at 12:30 p.m. today as part of his tour of the state during which he plans to survey flood damage. The dam is in danger of failing.

Doyle has requested assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment from this weekend’s severe weather and flooding. He plans to seek a federal disaster declaration after the FEMA assessment.