Severe Flooding Disrupts Wisconsin State Fair, Midwest as Storms Cause Widespread Damage
Severe Flooding Disrupts Wisconsin State Fair, Midwest as Storms Cause Widespread Damage
MILWAUKEE – Catastrophic flash flooding forced the unprecedented cancellation of the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday, as a relentless deluge across half a dozen Midwest states triggered widespread power outages, road closures, and critical rescue operations. The severe weather left thousands without electricity and stranded motorists across the region.
Organizers of the Wisconsin State Fair announced the immediate closure of the 11-day event, citing insurmountable flooding across the fairgrounds in West Allis, just outside Milwaukee. “We are saddened we cannot deliver this final day of the Wisconsin State Fair, but know that this is the best decision with current conditions and the forecast ahead,” read a statement from organizers.
The National Weather Service issued urgent flood watches and warnings spanning parts of Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Forecasters warned of “repeated rounds of heavy rain,” alongside threats of hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes, continuing into Monday after rainfall began Saturday.
The Milwaukee area was among the hardest hit, with some locations receiving up to 14 inches (36 centimeters) of rain by Sunday, leading to significant river flooding in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. Abandoned vehicles dotted submerged roadways, and nearly 18,000 We Energies customers in southeast Wisconsin lost power. In Wauwatosa, the overflowing Menomonee River completely submerged a popular playground.
Milwaukee Fire Department responded to over 600 calls, including gas leaks, flooded basements, electrical outages, and water rescues. Fire Chief Aaron Lipski stated, “We’re still in the middle of it. We’re still catching up right now.” The Red Cross opened two shelters for displaced residents.
The extreme weather also impacted other events, with USA Triathlon canceling its Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee. Despite the severe conditions, the Brewers and Mets played at American Family Field, though parking remained inaccessible. City officials urged residents to avoid driving or walking through standing water, emphasizing the ongoing danger.
Tragically, strong winds on Saturday led to one fatality in eastern Nebraska when a tree fell on a woman’s car. Storms also damaged two housing units at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln, displacing 387 prisoners, though all staff and inmates were reported safe.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.