Southeast Wisconsin is experiencing a historic rainfall event. Focused on Milwaukee and Waukesha counties, several inches of rain fell in only a short period of time Saturday night and Sunday morning.
The result: Thousands were left without power, streets became waterways, and basements flooded across the region. We may not know the full extent of the damage for days or weeks.
Watch: Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson provides update on historic flooding
TMJ4 News is following live updates and will post them on this page. Check back often.
Updates for Monday, Aug. 11
6:02 p.m. - Gov. Evers declares State of Emergency for flash flooding and storm damage across Wisconsin
Gov. Tony Evers today on Monday announced he is declaring a state of emergency as several Wisconsin communities continue to recover from flash flooding and storm damage due to severe storms over the weekend.
“The flooding seen across Wisconsin over the weekend is unprecedented, and as a state, we are committed to making sure communities have access to every available resource to help local folks and families in need and secure critical infrastructure,” Evers said. “We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated law enforcement, emergency response teams, and utility workers who have been working around the clock to uphold and restore critical services to impacted area residents in the wake of these events and stand ready to ensure this important work continues.”
5:15 p.m. - 2 people rescued from rushing water at Mill Pond Menomonee Falls
Two people were pulled from rushing waters at Mill Pond Park in Menomonee Falls Monday afternoon.
3:33 p.m. - State of Emergency declared in Muskego
Muskego Mayor Rick Petfalski declared a State of Emergency Monday due to torrential rains over the weekend that caused floooding throughout the city.
3:21 - HAWS can assist Waukesha County residents with pet housing
The Human Animal Welfare Society can assist Waukesha residents impacted by flooding with temporary pet housing through the Safe Keep program.
Call 262-542-8851, ext. 0 for assistance.
HAWS can also assist with pet food and pet supplies. For assistance, visit the facility at 701 Northview Road during normal business hours, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
1:36 p.m. — State of Emergency declared in Waukesha County
Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow declared a state of emergency Monday in the county due to flooding caused by signficant rainfall.
The State of Emergency will be in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday.
1:28 p.m. — Milwaukee FoodShare recipients can get replacement benefits after weekend flooding
Milwaukee residents who receive FoodShare benefits and lost food due to flooding may be eligible for replacement benefits equal to the value of food purchased with FoodShare or Summer EBT, according to a statement from a Hunger Task Force spokesperson.
To submit for reimbursement, FoodShare recipients should fill out this form.
Requests must be submitted within 10 days of the weather event.
12:38 p.m. — Flash flooding forces lane and ramp closures
Flash flooding has forced lane or ramp closures along parts of I-41 and I-94, along with segments of certain state highways.
Current impacts:
- I-94 eastbound lane and exit ramp closure at Mitchell Boulevard, Milwaukee County
Anticipated to reopen by mid-afternoon - I-41 northbound lane closure near County Line Road, Waukesha/Washington counties
- 27th Street (WIS 241) near the Root River is closed in both directions, Milwaukee County
12:35 p.m. — No fatalities related to flooding reported in Milwaukee County
No fatalities related to flooding have been reported to the Medical Examiner’s Office, according to a release from the office. However, a drowning incident occurred in Lake Michigan on August 10.
According to the release, reports from the Milwaukee Police Department’s Harbor Patrol observed an individual floating face down in the water while on active boat patrol. The investigation into this case is ongoing.
11:30 a.m. — Milwaukee offers free drop-off sites, special pickups for flood recovery through Sunday
Milwaukee officials announced expanded services to help residents recover from recent flooding, including free drop-off centers and special bulky item collection through Sunday.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) has opened two drop-off centers free to Milwaukee residents through Sunday, Aug. 17. The south site is located at 3879 W. Lincoln Ave., and the north site is at 6660 N. Industrial Road.
Both locations operate daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents are encouraged to use these sites for disposing of flood-damaged items.
DPW will also conduct free special bulky item pickups. Residents should place damaged materials at their regular garbage collection point on their normal collection day this week.
To further assist recovery efforts, overnight parking enforcement will be suspended Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights, though vehicles must still be parked legally. Regular night parking enforcement will resume Thursday night.
DPW crews have been relocating stranded vehicles to improve street access and safety. Vehicle owners whose cars were moved or left stranded must ensure they are removed by Thursday, Aug. 14.
Street-sweeping operations will begin soon to remove trash and debris left by flooding. Officials ask residents to keep streets clear where possible to help crews complete this work efficiently.
10:00 a.m. — Milwaukee mayor to provide flood recovery update at press conference
Mayor Johnson and the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works will host a press conference today at 11:30 a.m. to provide an update on flood recovery response.
6:30 a.m. — The Fox River has reached 8' and is now in Moderate Flood Stage.
The Fox River in Waukesha has entered the moderate flood stage. It was originally forecast to enter this flood stage and crest at the record high of 8.8 feet this evening at 7 p.m.
Updates for Sunday, Aug. 10.
7:27 p.m. - Potawatomi underground valet garage flooded
The Potawatomi Hotel and Casino's underground valet garage "experienced significant flooding" as a result of Saturday's unprecedented rainfall, according to the casino's Facebook page.
The garage will remain closed until water full recedes. Officials say it is unsafe to retrieve any vehicles at this time.
"Unfortunately, due to the amount of water that has entered the garage, we anticipate patron vehicles have sustained damage," the Facebook post says.
The self-park parking structure is still open through the 16th Street viaduct entrance.
6:30 p.m. - Juvenile rescued from Root River flooding in Franklin
A juvenile was rescued from the Root River area in Franklin Sunday evening after being swept away while wading in the flooded roadway.
According to Franklin Mayor John Nelson, the "youth was rescued without incident and is not injured."
3:49 p.m. - I-43 N near River Hills closed due to flooding
I-43 northbound near River Hills is closed from Brown Deer Road to WIS 60 due to flooding.
The left left lane of I-43 southbound from WIS 60 to County C/Pioneer Road is also closed.
1:47 p.m. - Cudahy city dump to open next week for residents to drop off flood-damaged items
Cudahy Mayor Ken Jankowski announced city dump will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. all week starting Monday for residents to drop off damaged items, water logged debris, etc.
1:15 p.m. - Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley declares State of Emergency following extreme storms and flooding
County Executive David Crowley has declared a state of emergency throughout Milwaukee County following overwhelming rainfall and widespread flooding.
Torrential rainfall exceeding 10 inches, with an additional two inches forecasted, has overwhelmed local drainage systems. Widespread flooding and extensive damage to homes, businesses, roadways, and parks have posed an imminent threat to public safety. Increased lightning strikes have also caused structural damage to homes and businesses, necessitating immediate emergency response and recovery efforts. The proclamation of an emergency empowers emergency management personnel to deploy additional resources, activate state and federal partners to assist with our efforts on the ground, and help people as swiftly as possible.
1:05 p.m. - West Allis store opens to provide pumps, dehumidifiers to residents experiencing flooding
Lincoln Contractors Supply in West Allis has a limited amount of pumps, dehumidifiers and fans available for sale and rent on a first come, first served basis. The store will be open from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
1:00 p.m. - Going to the Brewer's game? National Avenue is open but you MUST exit at Frederick Miller Way.
From the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office: Many of you may still attempt to make it to AmFam Field for the @Brewers 1:10 PM game. Brewers Blvd is CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING. Southbound traffic is closed at the Stadium Interchange. Northbound is closed at National Ave. Northbound from National is open, but you MUST exit at Frederick Miller Way.
12:22 a.m. - Multiple roadways impassable due to heavy rainfall, rising water levels
Due to ongoing heavy rainfall and rising water levels, multiple roadways across Southeastern Wisconsin have been reported as flooded and impassable. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is advising motorists to be alert and take extra caution.
Flash flooding has forced the closure of parts of Interstates 43, 41 and 94, along with segments of certain state highways.
Current impacts:
- I-43 at Hampton Avenue, Milwaukee County.
- I-43 at Pioneer Road (County C), Ozaukee County.
- Highway 100 between Hampton Avenue and Silver Spring Drive, Milwaukee County
- WIS 175 north of I-94, Milwaukee County
- Brewers Boulevard (WIS 175) and Canal Street area, Milwaukee County
With more rain expected, motorists should remain vigilant. Flooding conditions may change rapidly.
10:30 a.m. — Brewers say Sunday game still on despite half of parking lots inaccessible to traffic
The Milwaukee Brewers announced that Sunday’s game will be played as scheduled with a 1:10 p.m. start time.
American Family Field was not directly impacted by the flooding, but approximately half of the parking lots are currently inaccessible to traffic, and some access roads are closed, according to a statement from the Brewers.
Fans with tickets and/or prepaid parking passes to Sunday’s game who are unable to attend will receive credit on their account for the value of their tickets and parking, which can be used toward any Brewers 2025 regular home game.
10:00 a.m. — American Red Cross opens shelters for Wisconsin flood victims
The American Red Cross of Wisconsin has established two shelters to assist residents affected by Saturday’s flash flooding. The shelters will provide care, food, power and additional resources to those impacted by the severe weather.
9:35 a.m. — Mayor to provide update on flooding and city response
Mayor Cavalier Johnson will provide an update on the overnight flooding in the City of Milwaukee at noon today.
8:40 a.m. — Milwaukee crews working to assess flood-related damage
The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) says it continues to assess flood-related damage and respond to impacted areas across the city.
They advise residents to avoid flooded areas, not walk or drive through standing water, and report any street flooding, water backing up into basements, downed trees or limbs, and stranded or disabled vehicles.
The City of Milwaukee asks residents to report any street flooding, water backing up into basements, downed trees or limbs, and stranded or disabled vehicles.
To report these issues, call 414-286-CITY (2489), visit milwaukee.gov/Click4Action, or use the MKEmobile app. For emergencies, call 911.
7:48 a.m. — USA Triathlon Sprint and Paratriathlon Nationals Canceled
The USA Triathlon Sprint and Paratriathlon Nationals competition has been cancelled for Sunday, August 10 due to flooding.
"We know how much time, training, and anticipation you’ve invested in this event, and we share your disappointment. This was not the outcome any of us wanted," the organization shared in a Facebook post.
8:16 a.m. — State Fair canceled
Wisconsin State Fair officials announced the fair will not reopen Sunday following flash flooding that forced an early closure Saturday night.
7:21 a.m. — Updates on State Fair coming soon
State Fair teams "continue to work diligently to assess the Fair Park," according to a recent Facebook post.
The Fair said to expect another update at 7:30 a.m. Sunday.
The State Fair had to close early Saturday when flash floods first moved into our region.
7:00 a.m. — Milwaukee's Deep Tunnel at 98% capacity
As of just before 7 a.m. Sunday, Milwaukee's Deep Tunnel was at 98% capacity.
That's 422 million gallons out of a max capacity of 432 million gallons.
6:14 a.m. — Milwaukee River at Estabrook Park sets new flood record
The Milwaukee River at Estabrook Park has set a new flood record.
A new record of 10.52 feet was observed early Sunday morning, breaking the old record of 10.5 feet.
The river was under 3 feet as recently as 6 p.m. Saturday.
See current flood measurements here.
6:08 a.m. — Touring a flooded home in Milwaukee's Concordia neighborhood
Mikenzie Hammel spoke to a homeowner in Milwaukee's Concordia neighborhood. His home flooded for the third time after this weekend's heavy rain. As he put it - "the river came to visit." Watch:
5:49 a.m. — Cars still stranded on N. 60th St.
Ashley Washburn is live on N. 60th St. just south of Silver Spring, where plenty of cars are still totally stranded in flood waters as of about 6 a.m. Sunday. Watch:
4:57 a.m. — Construction barge struck against bridge in Milwaukee
May Klisch at Lakefront Brewery sent us these photos of a developing situation outside the brewery:
"We are at the brewery inspecting and saw this construction barge stuck against the bridge pylons gathering the debris on the fast flowing very high river," May said.
4:39 a.m. — West Allis Hampton Inn near State Fair floods
Saturday night we saw many photos and videos of flooding at State Fair. The Hampton Inn near the fairground was also affected.
Bridget Mertz sent us these photos of flooding in the hotel.
"We are in town from Kansas City. Came for the concert at the fair that was rained out," Bridget said.
4:28 a.m. — Tall flood waters at 4th and Layton in Milwaukee
Jeff shared this photo with TMJ4 - it shows tall flood waters at 4th and Layton in Milwaukee.
4:12 a.m. — Road collapses in Menomonee Falls
A new photo shows a road collapse on Lilly Road near Good Hope Road in Menomonee Falls.
3:48 a.m. — Dramatic basement flooding in West Allis
Tony Matoska shared these photos with TMJ4 - they show flood waters that have completely covered his basement, almost rising to the basement's entrance.
3:39 a.m. — Alderman reminds residents to use non-emergency number
With hundreds, or even thousands, of flooding incidents across the City of Milwaukee, Alderman Peter Burgelis is reminding residents to use a non-emergency number if you are not in danger.
That number is 414-933-4444.
Another reminder: Calls to 911 are answered in the order they are received. Stay on the line if you need emergency help.
3:36 a.m. — I-43 on-ramp flooded at Locust St.
The Wisconsin DOT reports that all lanes are flooded at the I-43 SB on-ramp from 8th St./Locust. Avoid the area.
Check current traffic conditions here.
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