Milwaukee Flash Flooding Forces Wisconsin State Fair to Cancel Final Day

The final day of the Wisconsin State Fair was abruptly canceled due to flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the Midwest. Organizers of the 11-day event made the difficult decision to shut down the fairgrounds in West Allis, just outside Milwaukee, as water levels rose rapidly.

“We are saddened we cannot deliver this final day of the Wisconsin State Fair, but know that this is the best decision with current conditions and the forecast ahead,” organizers expressed in a statement.

The National Weather Service issued flood watches and warnings for multiple states including Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The forecast included warnings of heavy rain, hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes on Sunday.

The Milwaukee area was particularly hard hit, with some areas receiving up to 10 inches of rain by early Sunday. Nearly 47,000 customers of We Energies in southeast Wisconsin were left without power. The USA Triathlon also had to cancel its Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee, affecting thousands of athletes.

Emergency responders were overwhelmed with over 600 calls for assistance, including gas leaks, electrical outages, and water rescues, according to the Milwaukee Fire Department. City crews worked tirelessly to clear surface water overnight.

“Please continue to avoid flooded areas and do not walk or drive through standing water,” urged the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works in a statement. “It remains dangerous.”

Tragically, strong winds in eastern Nebraska led to the death of one person after a tree fell on a woman’s car. In Lincoln, the storms damaged two housing units at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, displacing 387 prisoners. Fortunately, all staff and incarcerated individuals were reported safe and accounted for by the state Department of Correctional Services.