RACINE — Heavy rain over the past couple of days is causing serious flooding for Racine homeowners along the Root River.
Racine received between 5 to 6 inches of rain Sunday through Monday turning backyards on Spring Street into swamps. The Marcotte family had about a foot of floodwater in their backyard late Tuesday and unfortunately, it was already creeping into their basement.
“It started last night it was an awful night,” said homeowner Kim Marcotte.
The Marcotte family has lived just a stone’s throw from the Root River for 23 years and because of that, they’re no stranger to major flooding.
“We were trying to push the water down the drains downstairs because the water is already coming up through the floors down in the basement and it’s not working,” Marcotte said.
Marcotte said each time brings new fears and emotions of how they’ll recover and Tuesday was no different as the Root River hit its fifth highest level on record at nearly 8 feet.
“It’s hard to put into words because my husband and I couldn’t do this alone I mean, it’s just too much,” Marcotte said.
Marcotte was pleasantly surprised Tuesday as dozens of friends, neighbors and city workers showed up to lend a hand. Some filled sandbags to place along the back of the home, others like Ruben Fuentes cleared belongings and water out of Marcotte’s basement.
“It comes from the heart, you know, if I was in a situation like that, Jim I’m sure, it would be no problem, he would help me out,” Fuentes said.
The Marcottes said they have flood insurance, but unfortunately, that doesn’t cover their favorite part of their home, the family pool. Something they’ve replaced several times after previous floods like 2008 and they fear they’ll have to do it again after this week’s flood.
