A state of emergency has been declared in Milwaukee County following a series of heavy rains and thunderstorms that have significantly impacted southern Wisconsin. The torrential downpours have resulted in flooding across various parts of Milwaukee and its suburbs, leaving thousands of residents without power and causing extensive property damage.
The emergency declaration was made on Sunday afternoon, just hours after southeastern Wisconsin was placed on flood alert. Some areas reported receiving over a foot of rain, according to Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “This flooding event is very significant,” Johnson stated during a press conference on Sunday afternoon. “It’s something that Milwaukee hasn’t seen in perhaps a decade or more.”
As of Sunday afternoon, Mayor Johnson reported that, fortunately, there had been no fatalities, but the extent of property damage was considerable. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley urged residents to exercise caution and remain at home if possible, as emergency management teams worked to address flooded streets, downed trees, and other hazards. “We want folks to understand that the flooding is still an active emergency situation throughout Milwaukee County, and we are expecting additional rainfall today and into the evening,” Crowley advised. “Please stay cautious, stay informed, and refrain from traveling if you can.”
According to We Energies, over 16,000 homes in Milwaukee County were without power by Sunday afternoon. The National Weather Service had warned early Sunday of flooded roadways as thunderstorms continued to linger in the area, with rainfall rates reaching between 1 to 2 inches per hour.
The rainfall has set a new record for Milwaukee, with a total of 5.74 inches falling on Saturday alone—more than three times the previous daily record of 1.64 inches. This unprecedented weather event also caused the Milwaukee River at Estabrook Park, located in the northern suburb of Shorewood, to rise to 10.52 feet by early Sunday morning, a significant increase from just 3 feet on Saturday evening.
Despite the flooding, representatives have confirmed that Amtrak service and flights in and out of Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport remain unaffected. However, blocked traffic from vehicles stuck in floodwaters poses a significant risk to emergency responders, as highlighted by Aaron Lipski, chief of the Milwaukee Fire Department. His team responded to numerous reports of exploded transformers, downed power lines, and natural gas leaks starting Saturday night, conducting dozens of water rescues in the process. “We’ve been telling people repeatedly: Don’t drive through the water,” Lipski emphasized.
On Saturday evening, the severe storms caused an early closure of the Wisconsin State Fair. Fair officials announced on Sunday morning that the event would not resume for what would have been its final day of the season. This flooding coincides with a “slow and chaotic” storm system characterized by “intense rainfall rates” moving across the Great Plains and Midwest, according to the National Weather Service.
Officials stress the importance of safety during flood situations, as more than half of all flood-related deaths occur when individuals drive into hazardous floodwaters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Residents are urged to follow the mantra “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” when encountering flooded roadways. A flood watch for the entire region will remain in effect until Monday morning, with additional rain expected to fall on already saturated grounds.
Public officials also provided essential tips for staying safe in the aftermath of flooding, as inundated homes and streets can harbor hidden dangers, including hazardous contaminants and exposed electrical wiring. Residents are advised to stay out of floodwaters and remain at home whenever possible. If it becomes necessary to investigate a flooded basement, officials recommend wearing rubber boots, goggles, and gloves.
Michael Totoraitis, Milwaukee’s health commissioner, emphasized the need for handwashing after handling anything that has come into contact with floodwaters, which may contain harmful contaminants and sewage. “If you must interact with floodwaters, ensure that you’re washing any open wounds you may have,” he advised. Additionally, residents should assume that any food or medication stored in basements that have been affected by floodwaters is contaminated and should be discarded.
People experiencing power outages should monitor their refrigerators closely. If temperatures exceed 40 degrees for more than four hours, Totoraitis advised, “you will have to throw that food away.” He concluded, “If you’re in doubt, just throw it out.”
Rob Mentzer from WPR contributed to this report.
