More Than a Foot of Rain Floods Southeast Wisconsin; Final Day of State Fair Canceled

***UPDATE*** – The Wisconsin State Fair has canceled the final day of the fair due to flooding.

MILWAUKEE, Wis – (WAUK) – A historic rainfall hit Milwaukee and Waukesha counties Saturday night and early Sunday, dumping more than a foot of rain in some areas and triggering widespread flooding, and officials say more is coming.

Major flooding is occurring along the Milwaukee River, where water levels have reached near record highs of 10.5 feet, well above the 7-foot flood stage. Widespread flooding has been reported in Glendale, Lincoln Park, Kletsch Park and the Lincoln Creek area.

Minor to moderate flooding is affecting the Menomonee River in Wauwatosa, which is at 14.1 feet, surpassing its 11-foot flood stage. Water has spilled out of its banks, with some homes impacted in the vicinity.

Flooding is also occurring along Oak Creek in South Milwaukee, where high water has entered the yards of nearby homes. The Root River in Franklin is expected to crest at 8.8 feet this afternoon.

Streets were impassable through the overnight, basements flooded and more than 38,000 residents lost power as flash floods covered the region.

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning in effect until 11 a.m. Sunday, with urban and small stream flooding expected as rainfall totals soared past 13 inches in locations such as Milwaukee’s W. Florist Avenue. Parts of major roads including Interstates 43, 41, and 94 were submerged, and Mitchell International Airport faced significant disruptions.

Thousands of emergency calls strained first responders while city officials urged residents to avoid flooded roads and use non-emergency lines for assistance.

Those in Milwaukee County can report a wet basement. MMSD has put out an overflow alert, in their statement saying, “To reduce the risk of wastewater backing up into the basements of homes and businesses, MMSD started a combined sewer overflow”

The Wisconsin State Fair had not announced any schedule changes for Sunday as of 7 a.m.. Saturday’s events ended early due to severe flooding.

Officials warned that the full extent of the damage may not be clear for days as recovery and assessments continue.

A flood watch remains in effect for all of southern Wisconsin through early Monday morning. Forecasters say additional rainfall could lead to flash flooding. People are being told to monitor conditions and pay attention to alerts.