Severe Flooding in Milwaukee: Final Day of Wisconsin State Fair Canceled; Emergency Water Rescues Conducted During Flash Floods in the Area

In MILWAUKEE, heavy rains and subsequent flash floods led to the cancellation of the last day of the Wisconsin State Fair. The downpour affected multiple states in the Midwest, causing various emergencies such as water rescues, power failures, and road blockages.

Fair organizers decided to scrap the final day of the 11-day Wisconsin State Fair after torrential rains saturated the grounds in West Allis, near Milwaukee.

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“It saddens us to not conclude the fair as planned, but given the weather conditions and forecast, it’s the safest choice,” the organizers explained in a statement.

The National Weather Service had issued flood warnings covering Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Following initial rainfall on Saturday, heavy rain was expected to continue on Sunday, accompanied by possible hail, severe winds, and isolated tornadoes.

Milwaukee was particularly affected, with some regions receiving up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain by Sunday morning. The storm led to power outages for roughly 47,000 We Energies customers in southeast Wisconsin. Triathlon events scheduled in Milwaukee, such as the USA Triathlon Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships, were also called off, affecting thousands of athletes.

The Milwaukee Fire Department responded to over 600 emergency calls related to gas leaks, electrical outages, and water-related rescues. City crews worked throughout the night to manage the excess 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.