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Midwest Flooding Leaves One Dead, Milwaukee Area Hardest Hit
Severe weather and flash flooding ripped through the Midwest over the weekend, causing widespread damage across six states. While floodwaters began to recede on Monday, the impact of the torrential rainfall, which started Saturday, left communities struggling to recover.
Tragically, one person died in eastern Nebraska on Saturday after a tree fell on their vehicle during the storm. Another occupant of the vehicle sustained serious injuries. The storm system brought wind gusts of up to 90 mph in several Nebraska counties.
The Milwaukee area experienced the brunt of the flooding, with some areas receiving up to 14 inches of rain by Sunday. Unofficial measurements suggest a new state record for rainfall may have been set, pending verification.
The deluge resulted in flooded roads, stranding motorists and submerging a popular playground in Wauwatosa due to the overflowing Menomonee River. Nearly 18,000 We Energies customers lost power.
Milwaukee firefighters conducted 65 water rescues, primarily for people trapped in their vehicles. The fire department responded to over 600 calls related to the storm, including gas leaks, flooded basements, and electrical outages.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson reported emergency crews worked tirelessly overnight to address gas leaks, downed wires, and transformer explosions. Shelters were opened by the Red Cross for displaced residents.
Fire Chief Aaron Lipski stated the city was “still catching up” with the widespread impact.
The extreme weather forced the cancellation of several events, including the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair and the USA Triathlon Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee. While the Brewers and Mets game proceeded at American Family Field, the parking lot remained inaccessible, leaving fans scrambling for alternative transportation.
City officials urged residents to exercise caution and avoid contact with standing water, emphasizing the ongoing dangers even as floodwaters recede. The Department of Public Works requested patience as the city continues its recovery efforts.