Southeast Wisconsin is facing severe flooding after a historic rainfall event that brought several inches of rain to Milwaukee and Waukesha counties Saturday night and Sunday morning. The downpour left thousands without power, turned streets into waterways, and flooded basements across the region. Officials say the full extent of the damage may take days or weeks to assess.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson is scheduled to give an update on the flooding and the city’s response at noon Sunday. The Milwaukee Department of Public Works said crews are working to assess flood damage and address affected areas. Residents are urged to avoid flooded zones, stay out of standing water, and report street flooding, water backups, downed trees, and stranded vehicles.
The USA Triathlon Sprint and Paratriathlon Nationals scheduled for Sunday were canceled due to flooding. Event organizers expressed disappointment in a Facebook post, acknowledging the training and preparation by participants. Wisconsin State Fair officials also announced the fair would not reopen Sunday following flash flooding that forced an early closure Saturday night.
By early Sunday, Milwaukee’s Deep Tunnel was at 98% capacity, holding 422 million gallons out of its 432-million-gallon limit. The Milwaukee River at Estabrook Park reached a record 10.52 feet, surpassing the previous record of 10.5 feet. The river had been under 3 feet as recently as Saturday evening.
In Milwaukee’s Concordia neighborhood, a homeowner experienced flooding for the third time after heavy rains, describing it as “the river came to visit.” In West Allis, cars remained stranded on N. 60th Street south of Silver Spring Road as of early Sunday morning. At Lakefront Brewery, a construction barge became lodged against bridge pylons, collecting debris from the fast-moving river.
Flooding also impacted the Hampton Inn near the State Fair, where guests reported water damage. High water levels were seen at 4th and Layton in Milwaukee, while in Menomonee Falls, part of Lilly Road near Good Hope Road collapsed. In West Allis, floodwaters completely filled a basement, nearly reaching the entrance.
Milwaukee Alderman Peter Burgelis reminded residents to call the city’s non-emergency number, 414-933-4444, for non-life-threatening flooding issues, noting that 911 calls are answered in the order they are received. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported flooding at the I-43 southbound on-ramp from 8th Street/Locust, and drivers were advised to avoid the area.
