Almost 200,000 people were still under flood warnings on Monday after heavy rain dumped over a foot of water in Milwaukee and nearby areas. Because of this, officials declared a state of emergency over the weekend and warned people not to travel.
Why This Matters
The heavy rains in Wisconsin are part of a larger problem linked to climate change. Scientists say that warming in the atmosphere lets it hold more moisture, which can cause more intense storms and flooding. Recently, the U.S. has seen many rare floods that only happen once every 100 or even 1,000 years.
The flooding in Wisconsin was so bad that officials canceled the last day of the Wisconsin State Fair. Milwaukee County also told people not to drive or walk through flooded areas.
What You Need to Know
As of Monday afternoon, several rivers were still flooding in Wisconsin. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings for these rivers:
- Root River at Franklin (Milwaukee County)
- Fox River Lower at Waukesha (Waukesha County)
- Milwaukee River near Cedarburg (Ozaukee County)
- Cedar Creek at Cedarburg (Ozaukee County)
- Menomonee River at Menomonee Falls (Waukesha County)
None of the rivers were at major flood levels, but the Fox River Lower at Waukesha had moderate flooding. The others had minor flooding.
Flooding is the second most dangerous weather threat in the U.S., after extreme heat. Most flood deaths happen when people try to drive through flooded roads. That’s why the NWS warns: “Turn around, don’t drown.” They also advise people not to walk near riverbanks during floods and not to drive around road barriers.
Most of the heavy rain has stopped, but there is still a 40-50% chance of showers and storms overnight Monday, and a 30-40% chance of rain Tuesday afternoon. Meteorologists say any new storms should pass quickly and probably won’t cause major flash flooding like the weekend.
What Officials Are Saying
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said, “Flooding is still an active emergency across Milwaukee County. We expect more rain today and tonight. Our top priority is the safety of our residents. I urge everyone to stay cautious, stay informed, and avoid traveling. Check on your neighbors, especially older adults, and ask for help if you need it. I’m grateful to our first responders and neighbors helping each other. We will get through this together.”
The NWS also warned people to be especially careful at night when it’s harder to see flood dangers.
What’s Next
Some flood warnings will end by Wednesday afternoon, but others will stay until the water levels go down. After Tuesday, the weather should be dry for several days.
