A disastrous wave of flash flooding struck Milwaukee and surrounding areas over the weekend, breaking rainfall records and wreaking havoc across the region. As of Monday morning, a coordinated emergency response is well underway to recover from the deluge.
Record Rainfall and Scope of Destruction
Saturday evening through early Sunday, Milwaukee endured extraordinary rainfall up to 5.74 inches in a single day, marking its second-wettest on record. Some areas received over 14 inches in total, overwhelming drainage infrastructure and submerging homes, roads, and neighborhoods.
Widespread Disruption
- The Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis, an institution of family tradition was canceled on Sunday, the final day of the event, after floodwaters turned the venue into an impromptu water park.
- American Family Field maintained its scheduled game between the Brewers and Mets under its retractable roof. However, nearly half the parking lots remain inaccessible. Ticketed fans unable to attend are eligible for credits.
- Power outages affected over 18,000 households, and emergency services logged more than 600 calls across a variety of crises including rescues, gas leaks, and downed trees.
Emergency Declared and Response Efforts
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson described the situation as “historic flooding” not witnessed in over a decade affirming that some locales received over a foot of rain in a brief span. In response, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley declared a state of emergency, activating state and federal resources to aid recovery operations. Emergency shelters, including those run by the Red Cross, have opened their doors to displaced residents.
Conditions Remain Precarious
Despite a lull in rainfall, flood watches and warnings persist across parts of Wisconsin and beyond, with the National Weather Service cautioning that additional rounds of heavy rain could strike parts of the Midwest and Central Plains through Monday. Authorities continue to urge residents to avoid travel in flooded areas and heed all safety advisories.
This flooding event stands out as one of the most destructive Milwaukee has faced in recent memory, highlighting the growing threats posed by extreme weather. Further updates are expected as cleanup begins and residents seek to rebuild.