Milwaukee flash flooding state of emergency 2025: Record Floods Shut Down State Fair, Strand Families, and Threaten More Havoc!
Milwaukee County is reeling from a state of emergency declared on Sunday after unprecedented rainfall triggered severe flash flooding. The deluge forced the early closure of the Wisconsin State Fair, disrupted Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, and led to numerous water rescues. With more rain expected through Monday, officials are urging residents to stay cautious, particularly on flooded roads.
Unprecedented Rainfall Breaks Records
On Saturday, Milwaukee was hit with 5.74 inches of rain in just a few hours, an amount equal to six weeks of typical rainfall. This set a new daily record for the region, surpassing all previous benchmarks. The Milwaukee River also reached a historic high, cresting at 11.19 feet, topping the prior record of 10.48 feet set in July 2010.
The National Weather Service reported widespread flash flooding, with water inundating basements, creeks, and streets, leaving vehicles stranded across the city. “It’s something that Milwaukee hasn’t seen in perhaps a decade or more,” Mayor Chevy Johnson said at a Sunday news conference, noting that his own family was among those affected by the crisis.
Heroic Rescues Amid Rising Waters
The Milwaukee Fire Department conducted approximately 65 water rescues, navigating through hundreds of stalled vehicles that blocked intersections and halted movement. Fire Chief Aaron Lipski described the situation as chaotic, urging residents to avoid roads and stay clear of floodwaters. The department, overwhelmed by emergency calls, received support from a dozen fire teams from neighboring counties.
“We are still in the middle of it,” Lipski said, as rain continued to fall during the press briefing, highlighting the ongoing challenge. He warned that basements with knee-high water pose an electrocution risk and advised residents to wait until waters recede before entering.
Health Commissioner Mike Totoraitis added that floodwaters may be contaminated, recommending protective gear like boots and gloves for anyone who must come into contact with them, and thorough washing afterward.
A Family’s Terrifying Ordeal
The flooding’s personal impact was starkly illustrated by Brian Baxter, a father of two teenage daughters, Brailey and Brecken. Home alone near the Menomonee River Parkway while their parents were away, the girls called in the middle of the night as floodwaters surged into their home. They sent videos showing water rapidly rising, leaving Baxter and his wife, who rushed back, unable to reach them due to flooded streets.
“When Brailey called me this morning and said, ‘Dad, it’s getting bad down here and water’s getting high,’ we did a FaceTime, and I was shocked at what I saw,” Baxter shared. Rescue crews eventually saved the girls and their dog, bringing relief to a terrifying situation.
“You don’t think you’ll have to go through this as a parent,” Baxter said. “You feel helpless, but everybody’s helping everybody out.
Wider Storm Impacts and Disruptions
The flooding is part of a broader storm system that brought 80 mph wind gusts to Nebraska, where a fallen cottonwood tree killed one person and seriously injured another. In Milwaukee, the Wisconsin State Fair closed early on its second-to-last day, canceling a performance by rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Organizers prioritized safety, guiding visitors out through flooded fairgrounds. The fair will not reopen for its final day, officials confirmed.
The Milwaukee Brewers’ Sunday game went ahead, but half the parking lots and many nearby roads remained inaccessible. During Saturday’s game against the Mets, rain leaked through the stadium’s roof, adding to the chaos.
Airport Chaos and Ongoing Weather Threats
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport faced significant disruptions, with flooded runways, taxiways, and an underpass tunnel, complicating travel. Footage showed fairgoers wading through waist-deep water to reach parking lots, underscoring the severity of the flooding.
The National Weather Service warned of continued storms on Sunday, with a level 2 out of 4 risk for excessive rainfall and a flood watch in effect.
An additional 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected, with isolated areas potentially seeing up to 5 inches by Monday morning. Authorities continue to stress road safety as Milwaukee braces for more challenges while recovering from this historic weather event.
