News Summary
In response to catastrophic flooding caused by record-breaking rainfall, Milwaukee County has declared a state of emergency. Over a foot of rain has resulted in blocked roads and widespread chaos, with emergency services inundated with calls for water rescues. Residents are advised to stay safe and avoid flooded areas as the community comes together in the face of adversity. The storm’s effects have extended beyond Milwaukee, impacting several neighboring states and leading to widespread power outages and event cancellations.
Milwaukee County Declares State of Emergency Amidst Catastrophic Flooding
Milwaukee County has officially declared a state of emergency following an onslaught of torrential rains that have resulted in severe flooding and destruction across the region. Residents woke up to the unnerving aftermath of a weather event that dumped over a foot of rain in Milwaukee and the surrounding suburbs, triggering widespread chaos and prompting emergency services into action.
Record-Breaking Rainfall Causes Flooding
Historic rainfall has led to blocked roads and impacted thousands of people. The area is currently under a flood warning, indicating that the risk of more rain remains, with some predictions suggesting as much as 11 inches fell just before Sunday morning. Flash floods have torn through neighborhoods, with many residents scrambling to protect their homes, some living dangerously close to overflowing rivers.
Local resident Bill Suechting shared concerns about flooding near the Menomonee River, which crept alarmingly close to his home. Unfortunately, the devastation didn’t stop there—as sewers around the area reversed, resulting in countless yards flooded, creating an unsafe environment for residents.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
The Milwaukee Fire Department found themselves inundated with over 600 emergency calls throughout the day. Many of these were related to water rescues, with firefighters working tirelessly to save individuals in perilous situations. Reports indicate that a significant number of households dealt with water inundating basements, while countless cars were damaged by the rising tides.
In Wauwatosa, officials noted a substantial number of businesses had to shut down as floodwaters made access impossible. The Menomonee River’s overflow led to dramatic rescues, including an incident where firefighters rescued a woman trapped by rising floodwaters in her own home.
Community Support and Safety Measures
City crews have been hard at work through the night, clearing surface water from streets and neighborhoods, striving to get things back to normal as soon as possible. Residents have been advised to stay away from flooded areas and to avoid driving or walking through standing water due to hidden hazards.
Impact Beyond Milwaukee
Looking Ahead
Though this weather has brought chaos, it has also highlighted the resilience of the community. As people come together to assist their neighbors, one thing is clear: camaraderie shines brightest during the stormiest of times.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange 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 Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
