Historic Flooding Hits Milwaukee After Weekend Storm

News Summary

The Milwaukee area experienced unprecedented flooding after an intense storm dropped over 12 inches of rain during the weekend. Authorities reported it as a 1,000-year flood, resulting in widespread power outages and significant damage to homes and businesses. Emergency services were overwhelmed by rescue requests, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency. The community faced notable disruptions including the cancellation of events like the Wisconsin State Fair. As recovery efforts begin, residents are coming together to assist those affected by the flooding.

Historic Flooding Hits Milwaukee After Weekend Storm

The Milwaukee area faced an unprecedented storm during the weekend of August 9 to August 10, 2025, leading to flooding that many locals are describing as the worst they’ve ever seen. Rainfall totals in several parts of southeastern Wisconsin exceeded a shocking 12 inches, leading the authorities to classify this incident as a 1,000-year flood, second only in severity to past events.

Rainfall Records Shattered

Four specific areas around Milwaukee recorded rainfall amounts topping 12 inches, while other neighborhoods received between 5 and 11 inches. Some notable totals include:

• 3 miles northeast of Butler: 12.08 inches
• 3 miles east of Pewaukee: 12.61 inches
• Menomonee Falls: 12.05 inches
• Downtown Milwaukee: 9.34 inches

These staggering measurements highlight just how intense the storm was, and the Milwaukee River didn’t just overflow; it crested at a record-breaking 11.19 feet, overtaking the previous record set in 2010.

A Call for Help

As homes and businesses filled with water, tens of thousands found themselves without power. Flooded basements and submerged vehicles became a common sight, especially in communities like Wauwatosa Village. Emergency services were overwhelmed, with Milwaukee’s fire department responding to over 600 calls for assistance.

Community Impact

The flooding even forced the cancellation of the Wisconsin State Fair and the USA Triathlon national championships, disrupting multiple events that many had looked forward to. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport also faced significant disruptions as water affected runways and taxiways.

Emergency Response and Recovery

With the latest storm causing widespread devastation, Milwaukee County declared a state of emergency on August 10, 2025. Local emergency services, alongside assistance from nearby counties, sprang into action to address the flooding. Residents were advised to stay away from flooded areas and warned about the risks associated with standing water.

As the cleanup began, many were faced with the reality of dealing with damaged homes and ruined personal belongings. Drop-off centers were established across the City of Milwaukee for those with large water-damaged items, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

What’s Next?

The city is now focused on recovery, with local crews working tirelessly to clear debris and restore services to affected areas. Community members are coming together to lend a hand to their neighbors, showcasing the true spirit of resilience. Milwaukee’s officials remain hopeful that such an extreme weather event does not return for another millennium.

FAQ

Quick Summary of Key Features

• Rainfall Amounts: Four locations exceeded 12 inches of rain.
• Emergency Services: Over 600 calls for assistance were recorded.
• Community Cancelations: Events such as the Wisconsin State Fair and USA Triathlon were canceled.
• Response Measures: Milwaukee County declared a state of emergency.
• Cleanup Efforts: Drop-off centers were set up for large water-damaged items.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• AP News: Historic Flooding in Wisconsin
• Wikipedia: Flood
• The Guardian: Flooding in Milwaukee
• Google Search: Milwaukee flooding
• JSONline: Milwaukee Rainfall Records
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
• CNN: Milwaukee Flooding Updates
• Google News: Milwaukee flood
• Fox 6 Now: Southeast Wisconsin Flooding
• Axios: Milwaukee Flooding Rain Records

Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

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