by The Wisconsin State Fair’s final day has been cancelled after severe flooding swept through the Milwaukee area, leaving nearly 18,000 residents without power and forcing many drivers to abandon their vehicles on submerged roads. Fair organizers announced the cancellation on Sunday, citing heavy rains that inundated the West Allis fairgrounds, just outside Milwaukee.
Widespread Flooding Across Midwest
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued flood watches and warnings across six Midwest states, including Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Milwaukee was hit the hardest, with some areas receiving up to 14 inches of rainfall by Sunday evening. The flooding has disrupted transportation, utilities, and public safety services, creating a widespread emergency.
Emergency Response Efforts
Emergency responders in the Milwaukee area have been stretched thin. The Milwaukee Fire Department handled over 600 calls related to gas leaks, flooded basements, electrical outages, and water rescues. Utility provider We Energies confirmed that nearly 18,000 customers across southeast Wisconsin were still without power late Sunday.
The floods also forced the cancellation of the USA Triathlon Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee, which had been expected to draw thousands of athletes. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers played their scheduled game at American Family Field, although parking access was severely restricted due to flooding.
In both Milwaukee and Waukesha counties, rivers have overflowed their banks, including the Menomonee River, which submerged a popular playground in suburban Wauwatosa. The Red Cross has opened two emergency shelters for displaced residents.
Forecasters warn that “repeated rounds of heavy rain” could continue through Monday, bringing additional threats of hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes.
Outlook for the Coming Days
Emergency crews are working around the clock to remove floodwaters and respond to rescue calls in southeastern Wisconsin. The NWS has extended flood warnings through Monday, with more rainfall expected to worsen conditions.
Wisconsin State Fair organizers will assess damage to the West Allis fairgrounds to plan for cleanup and preparations for next year’s event. Utility crews are attempting to restore power to thousands of customers, but timelines remain uncertain due to the ongoing severe weather.
City officials are urging residents to stay off flooded streets and avoid walking or driving through standing water. The full scope of infrastructure damage and the economic toll of the flooding may take several days to determine as the waters slowly recede.
