Record Flooding Swamps Milwaukee: State Fair Canceled, Airport Shut Down

 

Breaking: Milwaukee faced catastrophic flooding Saturday after receiving 5.74 inches of rain in hours – smashing daily records and submerging streets, basements, and critical infrastructure. The deluge forced the Wisconsin State Fair to close early, canceling a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert, while Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport halted operations due to submerged runways.

Key Impacts:

• Historic River Surge: The Milwaukee River hit an all-time high of 11.19 feet, surpassing the 2010 record.
• State Fair Chaos: Attendees waded through waist-deep water to escape fairgrounds; final-day events canceled.
• Airport Crisis: Flooded runways, taxiways, and tunnels paralyzed air travel.

• Rescue Operations: Emergency crews responded to stranded vehicles and flooded homes across the city.

Ongoing Threat:

The National Weather Service issued a Level 2 flood risk for Sunday, warning of an additional 1–5 inches of rain. Road travel remains hazardous, with flash flooding likely through Monday.

This storm system previously caused deadly 80+ mph winds in Nebraska, killing one person. Milwaukee officials urge residents to avoid flooded areas and prepare for further disruptions.