Torrential rains over the weekend turned parts of Milwaukee into a disaster zone, prompting widespread road closures, flooding homes and businesses, and forcing officials to shut down the Wisconsin State Fair.
The city recorded its second-wettest day on record Saturday, with 5.74 inches falling in just the evening hours. By Sunday morning, totals reached 6.69 inches, with radar estimates showing more than 10 inches in some communities in a matter of hours.
“This is some unprecedented flooding,” FOX 6 Meteorologist Stephanie Barichello told FOX Weather, warning the situation was far from over.
State Fair Shut Down, Concert Canceled
Officials closed the Wisconsin State Fair on Saturday night, cutting short the final day and canceling the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert. The fair remained closed Sunday due to ongoing flood danger.
“We are saddened we cannot deliver this final day of the Wisconsin State Fair, but know that this is the best decision,” officials said.
Emergency Declared in Milwaukee County
Mayor Chevy Johnson called the flooding “very significant” and confirmed there has been major property damage, though no deaths have been reported so far.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley issued a state of emergency to mobilize more resources, activate state and federal partners, and keep residents safe.
Fire Chief Aaron Lipski reported his department handled over 600 emergency calls between Saturday night and Sunday morning, including 65 water rescues. He blasted drivers who ignored warnings and tried to push through floodwaters, blocking intersections and making rescues more difficult.
Nebraska Storm Turns Deadly
The same weather system brought tragedy to Nebraska, where a massive cottonwood tree fell on a vehicle at Two Rivers State Park, killing a woman and critically injuring a man. Fire crews worked for 90 minutes to free the survivor from the wreckage.
More Flooding on the Way
The Midwest and Plains remain under threat as a slow-moving cold front continues to dump torrential rain over the same areas. The National Weather Service has issued Flood Watches for parts of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center warns of Level 3 out of 4 flood risk in Kansas and Missouri, with 2–3 inches of rain an hour possible in some areas and totals reaching 9 inches or more.
Video from Maddy Stankevich shows vehicles trapped in deep flood waters at the Wisconsin State Fair Saturday night. The State Fair closed early Saturday due to flash floods in our area. More details at https://t.co/MdobEMEqsP: https://t.co/xEw5lOx4e7 pic.twitter.com/ffU4UjN0ab
— TMJ4 News (@tmj4) August 10, 2025
