Severe flash flood warning for parts of Wisconsin: 9-inches of rain triggers life-threatening situation

A flash flood warning has been issued for the parts of southeast Wisconsin on August 10 by the National Weather Service. The newest flash flood warning for southern Washington county and southern Ozaukee counties has been issued until 8:15 a.m. as the heavy rain slowly drifts north. Some areas have seen between 5 and 9 inches of rain overnight, with more downpours expected before sunrise, reports Country Herald.

Due to the severe flash floods that impacted the Milwaukee area, the Wisconsin State Fair was forced to close early on Saturday. Flooding impacted several counties in southeast Wisconsin on Sunday morning. Various videos online showed vehicles trapped in floodwaters, scenes of people leaving the fair and others embracing the rain despite the conditions.



Taking to Facebook, the state fair said, "Attention Fairgoers! The State Fair Park is closing. Please use caution as you make your way to the nearest exit as safely as possible and follow the directions of the Fair Park staff and police as you exit."

In their comments, officials stated that Tunnel Entrance F is closed due to the storm and advised attendees to use the Main Stage or Turn 4 exits to access the state fair’s parking lots.

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Severe flash flood warning in Wisconsin

The heavy rain caused the Root River to overflow along Cleveland Avenue, creating dangerous conditions for motorists and pedestrians. Photos and videos sent to TMJ4 from the state fairgrounds showed some vehicles nearly fully submerged and attendees wading through deep water.

Much of southeast Wisconsin experienced severe flooding the evening of Aug. 9 to the morning of August 10. Rainfall totals in the last 24 hours have exceeded 6" in some places across the metro.

Anyone in an impacted area is advised not to travel unless fleeing a flooded area or following evacuation orders.
In Wauwatosa, the Menomonee River spilled over the banks, beating up the bridge on 68th Street. At one point overnight, the river rose to 14 feet.

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According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, flash flood warnings remain in effect until at least 5:30 a.m. for Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties. Additional rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is possible, worsening already dangerous conditions. As of 10 p.m. Saturday, We Energies reports nearly 10,000 people in Milwaukee County are without power. In neighboring Waukesha County, more than 8,000 customers also are experiencing outages.

Residents are urged to avoid travel, never attempt to drive through flooded areas, and be alert for basement flooding and rising creek levels. Overnight flooding is especially hazardous due to poor visibility.