| Date | August 9–10, 2025 |
|---|
The August 2025 Wisconsin floods were a severe flash flooding event that struck southeastern Wisconsin—particularly the Milwaukee metropolitan area—on August 9 and 10, 2025. Triggered by exceptionally heavy rainfall and repeated storm activity, the floods caused widespread property damage, disrupted infrastructure, and led to emergency declarations.
Meteorological history
editA series of intense thunderstorms dropped between 6 in (150 mm) and up to 12 in (300 mm) of rain in some areas over a short period, making this one of the region's wettest days on record.[1] Radar estimates suggested that rural communities received over 10 in within hours, while Milwaukee saw nearly a month’s worth of rainfall overnight.[2]
Impact
editProperty damage
editBasements and residential structures across the region experienced extensive flooding. Streets were inundated, vehicles were stranded or submerged, and numerous roadways—including freeway ramps—were closed due to impassable water.[3] A playground in Wauwatosa was submerged by the overflowing Menomonee River, and fairgrounds in West Allis were declared unfit for use.[4]
Nearly 47,000 customers in southeastern Wisconsin lost power as emergency services responded to over 600 calls—ranging from water rescues to gas leaks and flooded basements.[4]
Authorities mobilized significant response efforts. Mayor Cavalier Johnson and County Executive David Crowley declared a state of emergency in Milwaukee County to facilitate resource deployment and coordination of shelter and safety support.[5]
Although the precise financial cost remains undetermined, damage assessments are ongoing. News reports emphasize the scale of destruction across homes, businesses, and infrastructure. A follow-up article noted that "flooded basements" and "homes dealing with flooded basements" were widespread.[6]
Event cancellations
editThe final day of the Wisconsin State Fair was canceled due to the unsafe conditions. Additionally, a headline concert by Lynyrd Skynyrd and national triathlon championships were called off.[2] The Milwaukee Brewers were set to play that weekend, but parking access and fan safety were compromised by flooding conditions.[4]
Aftermath and response
editCity crews worked overnight to pump and clear surface water, while fire and rescue units continued to field emergency calls.[4] Officials urged residents to avoid entering floodwaters for their safety.[4]
No official statewide financial damage estimate has been released as of mid-August 2025. Broader assessments and insurance claims are expected in the following weeks.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Flooding cancels last day of Wisconsin State Fair as severe storms knock out power and close roads". August 10 2025.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Unknown parameter|source=ignored (help) - ^ a b "Wisconsin State Fair hit by 'life-threatening' flash floods…". August 10 2025.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Unknown parameter|source=ignored (help) - ^ "Milwaukee flash floods: Wisconsin state fair closed…". August 10 2025.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Unknown parameter|source=ignored (help) - ^ a b c d e "Flooding cancels last day of Wisconsin State Fair…". August 10 2025.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Unknown parameter|source=ignored (help) - ^ "Historic Milwaukee County flooding triggers emergency declaration". August 10 2025.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Missing or empty|url=(help); Unknown parameter|source=ignored (help) - ^ "Record rainfall leads to widespread flash flooding…". August 2025.
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