Flash flooding in the Midwest led to the cancellation of the Wisconsin State Fair’s final day on Sunday. Intense rainfall caused water rescues, power outages, and road closures across several states.
The Wisconsin State Fair organizers announced the closure of the fair’s last day due to flooded fairgrounds in West Allis, near Milwaukee.
“It’s unfortunate we can’t host the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair, but given the weather and forecasts, it’s the safest choice,” stated the organizers.
The National Weather Service issued flood watches and warnings for regions in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Forecasters warned of continuous heavy rain, hail, strong winds, and possible tornadoes through Sunday.
Milwaukee was severely affected, with areas receiving up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain by Sunday morning. In southeast Wisconsin, about 47,000 We Energies customers lost power. The USA Triathlon also canceled its Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee, which was set to host thousands of athletes.
The Milwaukee Fire Department attended to over 600 incidents, including gas leaks, power outages, and water rescues. City crews worked overnight to manage and clear surface water.
“Please continue to avoid flooded areas and do not walk or drive through standing water,” the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works pleaded in a statement. “It remains dangerous.”
On Saturday, strong winds led to the death of one person in eastern Nebraska after a tree fell on a woman’s car. In the state capital of Lincoln, the storms damaged two housing units at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, displacing 387 prisoners, the state Department of Correctional Services said. The agency said all staff and incarcerated individuals were safe and accounted for.
