Record rainfall over the weekend brought severe flash flooding to Milwaukee and parts of the Midwest, prompting water rescues, event cancellations, and a state of emergency.
A rain gauge in northwest Milwaukee recorded 14.5 inches in 24 hours, potentially breaking Wisconsin's all-time record, according to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District.
Flash floods inundated parts of the Midwest, with as much as 12 inches of rain in some areas of Milwaukee, #Wisconsin on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Videos show raging floods on severely damaged roads in Wisconsin and a boat rescue near the Menomonee River… pic.twitter.com/nPE5QLIRbd
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 11, 2025
The Milwaukee River crested at a record 11.19 feet, flooding roads, stranding vehicles, and forcing about 65 water rescues.
The Wisconsin State Fair and USA Triathlon events were canceled, while Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport saw runway flooding. Mayor Chevy Johnson said the city had not seen such flooding in over a decade.
Southeastern Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee area, is cleaning up after flooding over the weekend that led to water rescues & forced officials to cancel the last day of the Wisconsin State Fair. FOX 6 News Milwaukee @BKedrowicz has the latest More: https://t.co/w9uU9metAV pic.twitter.com/vV6Py1zyMw
— FOX Weather (@foxweather) August 11, 2025
The storm system also battered Nebraska with 80 mph winds, killing one person and forcing the relocation of hundreds of inmates.
Additional rain is forecast for the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes early this week, though much of the Midwest should dry out by midweek.
