The Department of Natural Resources announced that strong storms that delivered heavy rain and strong winds to much of southern Wisconsin Thursday have forced closing of three state parks.

Officials said repairs are underway even as full damage assessments are still being compiled. 

The parks closed are Devil's Lake State Park in Sauk County, Rocky Arbor State Park in Juneau and Sauk counties, and Wildcat Mountain State Park in Vernon County. The DNR has also closed two state trails: the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and the 400 State Trail between Elroy and Reedsburg. 

Other trails in the southern part of the state are open but due to wet conditions visitors are encouraged to use caution. The DNR will post updated condition reports on its Web site: www.wiparks.net.

Devil's Lake State Park and Wildcat Mountain State Park experienced severe flooding and road damage.

"Both the north and south shores at Devil's Lake are under water and we are not currently able to accommodate visitors," said Rich Evans, Regional Park and Trail Supervisor for the DNR. 

The state agency said staff will reassess conditions at Devil's Lake on Wednesday and hope to have the park open as soon as possible. In the meantime, campers with reservations are being alerted to park closures and their options.

Kohler Andrae State Park was closed earlier in the week but is now fully open for visitors.

"On behalf of the Department of Natural Resources I'd like to thank our park and trail visitors for their patience during this extraordinary time," said Dan Schuller, director of the Wisconsin State Park System. "Visitor safety is always our priority and I promise we are using all available resources to clean up, make repairs, and restore our damaged properties as soon as possible.

"It will be a beautiful weekend in most other parts of the state and the majority of our parks and trails are open for the weekend. We're hoping visitors will still enjoy the many recreational opportunities available statewide."