News Summary
Milwaukee has been hit by historic flooding following relentless rainfall, with some areas receiving over 12 inches in just two days. This has led to significant damage, power outages, and a state of emergency as communities begin recovery efforts. Major events, including the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair, were cancelled due to the severe conditions that have classified this storm as a 1,000-year flood.
Historic Flooding Sweeps Through Milwaukee with Over 12 Inches of Rainfall
Milwaukee has experienced historic flooding this past weekend, as relentless rain poured down from Saturday morning until Monday morning, leading to unprecedented weather conditions. In just two days, many parts of the area received more than a whopping 12 inches of rain!
Rainfall Totals and Impact
According to reports from the National Weather Service, several locations in Milwaukee County recorded astonishing rainfall totals. For instance, just three miles northeast of Butler, there was a staggering 12.08 inches. Not too far northwest of downtown Milwaukee, another area saw 11.71 inches of rain. Other notable amounts included:
- Bayside: 10.09 inches
- Downtown Milwaukee: 9.34 inches
- West Allis: 8.94 inches
- Greenfield: 8.77 inches
- Brown Deer: 8.46 inches
Surrounding areas reported additional totals ranging from 5 to 11 inches. This intense weather has resulted in flooding classified as the second worst in Milwaukee’s history, with authorities labeling it a 1,000-year flood. Many residents can attest to this, as countless homes and vehicles were left submerged under water.
Cascading Effects and State of Emergency
With the heavy rainfall came widespread disruption. Tens of thousands of residents found themselves facing power outages as the storm took its toll on infrastructure, with over 31,000 utility customers affected across southeastern Wisconsin. Wet basements were a common sight, and the fire department was busy, responding to around 614 emergency calls during the storm’s peak.
The rising waters impacted popular events as well. The Wisconsin State Fair had to sadly cancel its final day due to the floods, and the Milwaukee USA Triathlon was also called off, prioritizing the safety of everyone involved.
Rescue Operations and Community Response
In areas like Wauwatosa Village, citizens experienced significant challenges as neighborhoods became waterlogged. Rescue teams sprang into action, conducting numerous operations to assist those trapped in the fast-rising floodwaters. Aerial footage showcased neighborhoods submerged, offering a bird’s-eye view of the extensive damage throughout the county.
With local rivers, including the Milwaukee River, reaching major flood stages, authorities issued flood warnings, prompting Milwaukee County officials to declare a state of emergency. This move aims to facilitate recovery efforts and help obtain state and federal assistance in the wake of such overwhelming damage.
Long-Term Recovery Ahead
As Milwaukee moves forward from this challenging weather event, officials hope that such intense storms won’t strike the area for at least another millennium. Unfortunately, some homes sustained severe damage, with officials declaring certain properties uninhabitable due to water damage. The situation wasn’t confined to Wisconsin alone, as similar weather caused considerable damage in Nebraska, leading to the relocation of nearly 400 inmates in state penitentiaries.
With the community now beginning the arduous task of recovery, residents are coming together, showing resilience in the face of adversity. As recovery efforts get underway, we can only hope for clear skies and a brighter future ahead for everyone affected by this historic flooding.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Wikipedia: Flood
- CNN
- Google Search: Milwaukee flood 2025
- WISN 12 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- The Weather Channel
- Google News: Milwaukee flooding August 2025
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
