Catastrophic flooding forces abrupt closure of the final day at Wisconsin State Fair; intense storms trigger power outages and road blockages.
Heavy Flooding Hits Milwaukee and Surrounding Areas, Causing Extensive Damage
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and several Midwestern states experienced severe flash flooding from August 9–10, 2025, due to record-breaking rainfall. The event, which was the worst flash flood in the Milwaukee area since 2008, resulted in widespread flooding, significant damage, and emergency responses.
Impact and Damage
The flooding affected various sectors, including residential, commercial, and public properties. More than 1,600 households reported significant damage, with Milwaukee’s north side and Glendale neighborhoods being particularly hard-hit. Over 11 homes had collapsed foundations, and some homes near Lincoln Creek were fully flooded, including basement inundations.
Over 500 homes and 50 businesses in Wauwatosa were damaged, with public property damage in Wauwatosa alone estimated at about $9 million. Infrastructure damage was also substantial, with Milwaukee County reporting approximately $23 million in public infrastructure damage.
Emergency services conducted multiple rescues, managed gas leaks, downed power lines, and transformer explosions. The Milwaukee Fire Department alone took 614 emergency calls during the flood period.
Cause and Meteorological Context
The flooding was caused by a combination of thunderstorms, high humidity, and moisture inflow from the southwest, which created an extremely saturated atmosphere. A Mesoscale Convective Vortex (localized low-pressure area) intensified precipitation amounts, leading to rainfall rates between 1 to 2 inches per hour overnight.
Recovery
A state of emergency was declared on August 10, 2025, enabling local authorities to seek state and federal assistance, including FEMA aid. Damage assessments and preliminary financial evaluations are underway by state investigators, and recovery work is ongoing. Emergency crews are addressing immediate hazards, while plans for infrastructure repairs and homeowner support continue.
The Wisconsin State Fair was canceled on Sunday due to flash flooding, while the Brewers and Mets played at American Family Field despite the parking lot being inaccessible. The Brewers warned that they cannot guarantee parking for all fans, even those who purchased parking in advance.
Additional Impact
In Lincoln, Nebraska, storms damaged two housing units at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, displacing 387 prisoners. River flooding has been reported in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties, with as much as 14 inches of rain having fallen in some areas by Sunday. City officials advised residents to avoid driving or walking in standing waters.
As a result of the flooding, the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works warned that the situation remains dangerous. The flooding occurred on the fairgrounds in West Allis, Wis., just outside Milwaukee. Fire Chief Aaron Lipski stated that they are still dealing with the aftermath of the flooding. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services confirmed that all staff and incarcerated people were safe and accounted for.
Nearly 18,000 customers of We Energies in southeast Wisconsin were without power late Sunday. An overflowing and fast-moving Menomonee River submerged a popular playground in the suburban village of Wauwatosa. USA Triathlon canceled its Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee due to the flooding.
References:
[1] CBS 58 News Milwaukee. (2025). Flash Floods Cause Extensive Damage In Milwaukee, Wauwatosa. [online] Available at: https://www.cbs58.com/news/flash-floods-cause-extensive-damage-in-milwaukee-wauwatosa
[2] Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. (2025). Flash Floods Cause Damage In Milwaukee, Wauwatosa. [online] Available at: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2025/08/10/flash-floods-cause-damage-milwaukee-wauwatosa/200762058/
[3] National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan. (2025). Flash Flood Warning for Milwaukee County Until 1:45 AM CDT. [online] Available at: https://www.weather.gov/mkx/flashfloodwarning
[4] Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. (2025). Statement on Flash Flooding in Milwaukee County. [online] Available at: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Newsroom/NewsReleases/Pages/Statement-on-Flash-Flooding-in-Milwaukee-County.aspx
- Despite the severe flooding in Milwaukee, the Brewers played their game at American Family Field on August 10, 2025, warning fans about potential parking issues due to the flooding.
- Meanwhile, in California, there was a upsurge in general-news reports about crime-and-justice incidents, such as accidents and weather-related incidents, resulting in extensive damage across multiple residential and commercial areas.
