Heavy rain and flooding have taken a toll in the Milwaukee region, causing extensive damage and cleanup efforts to ensue.
Historic Flash Flooding Hits Milwaukee, Breaking Rainfall Records
The Milwaukee area experienced unprecedented rainfall over the weekend of August 9-10, 2025, with more than 14 inches (about 36 centimeters) of rain recorded in 24 hours[1]. This rainfall broke unofficial records in Wisconsin for two-day rainfall, with unofficial readings in the 10- to 14-inch range[2].
This torrential rain led to severe flash flooding in Milwaukee and its surrounding suburbs, causing significant property damage, basement flooding up to 3 feet deep, and the cancellation of events such as the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair and the USA Triathlon's Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships[2][3]. Over 600 emergency calls were reported to the Milwaukee Fire Department, including water rescues, gas leaks, and electrical outages[2].
The Milwaukee River crested at a record 11.19 feet, surpassing the previous high from 2010, overwhelming drainage systems and submerging streets, parks, and infrastructure[4]. Four rivers in the Milwaukee area hit record-high levels over the weekend: Kinnickinnic, Milwaukee, Menominee, and Root rivers[2].
Despite the extensive damage, no fatalities had been reported as of Monday morning[2]. Road closures were more isolated on Monday, but flood warnings continued in certain counties. Approximately 2,000 homes in the area were without power as of Monday afternoon[2].
Rob Sieracki, a resident of Milwaukee, reported that his 1890-built house had several inches of flooding in the basement due to the storm, and he believes the water was contaminated with sewage[1]. Colby McMillan and a friend had to abandon their car and escape the rain, which was coming in under the door[1]. A teenager was rescued by firefighters from the Root River floodwaters in Franklin[1].
Officials noted that the flood reflected a “thousand-year” event and highlighted a long-term precipitation increase trend in southern Wisconsin since 1950[3]. The National Weather Service predicted more rain for the area on Monday night, but not like the prolonged deluge that caused the flash flooding[5].
References: 1. ABC News 2. CBS 58 3. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 4. NBC 15 5. National Weather Service
Weather-forecasting agencies should have warned residents about the impending severe weather event, as the flash flood was a "thousand-year" event. The high level of rainfall in Milwaukee over the weekend, which broke records, had not been accurately predicted by weather-forecasting models.
