After a weekend of relentless rain, Milwaukee and its surrounding areas are beginning to dry out following some of the worst flooding seen in recent history. Over 14 inches of rain fell in less than 24 hours, smashing unofficial state records and pushing several local rivers to record-high levels. This sudden downpour caused widespread flooding that swept away vehicles, flooded homes, and left thousands without power.
The storms started late Saturday and stretched into Sunday, prompting emergency responses and road closures across Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Ozaukee counties. While no deaths have been reported, the damage is significant. As of Monday afternoon, around 2,000 homes still remained without electricity. The city continues to assess the full impact as floodwaters slowly recede.
Among those caught off guard was Colby McMillan, who was stranded when his car stalled in rising water. “The water started coming in under the door,” he recalled. Thankfully, he and his friend escaped safely and helped others avoid similar trouble, although McMillan’s car was totalled.
Across the city, stories like this have emerged. Rob Sieracki, who lives near a dog park that was submerged, found about two feet of water at the front of his 1890s home and flooding in his basement. “It’s stinky water, probably sewage,” he said, adding that his family lost power for 15 hours but feels fortunate overall since their house is on a hill.
The flooding also led to the cancellation of major events like the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair and the USA Triathlon Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships, which had drawn athletes from across the country.
Officials are calling the flood “unprecedented.” Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency after touring affected neighborhoods. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson shared stories from residents whose basements were filled with water and expressed hope that such an event does not happen again anytime soon.
The National Weather Service noted that four rivers around Milwaukee—Kinnickinnic, Milwaukee, Menominee, and Root—rose to record levels. The Milwaukee River topped flood stage by more than four feet. Official rain totals at the Milwaukee airport reached nearly 7 inches over two days, second only to past records set in 2008. In some parts of northwestern Milwaukee County, unofficial totals may exceed 14 inches, potentially breaking a state record that dates back to 1946.
Firefighters had a busy weekend, handling over 600 calls related to flooding, gas leaks, power outages, and water rescues. In one dramatic incident, a teenager who was swept away by floodwaters was rescued by emergency crews after clinging to a tree branch and a submerged log.
Though more rain was expected Monday night, it is not anticipated to match the intensity of the weekend’s storm. Forecasters warned some heavy showers could keep some areas wet and prolong standing water but likely won’t cause new flooding.
As the region begins the cleanup, residents are left reflecting on the sudden and severe nature of the storm. Many are focused on recovery and hope that recovery efforts will restore the community quickly.