The state of Wisconsin has been hit by flash floods, which have caused widespread damage. Homes were submerged in water, roads were blocked, and traffic was disrupted. The annual state fair was canceled early.
Wisconsin Floods
Rescuers rescue people trapped in flooded homes in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, on August 10, 2025. Up to 13 inches of rain fell overnight in some areas of southeastern Wisconsin, causing widespread flooding.
Milwaukee received 5.74 inches of rain in a matter of hours on Saturday, the equivalent of three-quarters of a month’s worth of rain there. The heavy rains caused flash floods on roads, streams, and home lots, and some vehicles were left stranded, according to the National Weather Service.
Impacts
The Milwaukee River surged to 11.19 feet, surpassing the previous record of 10.48 feet in July 2010. The severe weather was part of a severe thunderstorm that hit Nebraska, where wind gusts reached 80 mph. A large downed tree fell on a car during the storm, killing one person and seriously injuring another.
Damage assessments are currently underway to determine the extent of destruction caused by the severe weather event. Officials are urging residents to remain cautious as cleanup efforts continue in the affected areas. Emergency services are working around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of those impacted by the floods.
Residents are advised to stay informed through local news outlets for updates on the situation. The community is coming together to support one another during this challenging time.
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Power Outage
Popular rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd was scheduled to perform at the Wisconsin State Fair, but the show was canceled due to a power outage. Fair officials advised visitors to evacuate safely and exercise caution. The weather service also reported that the underpass, taxiway, and runway at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport were submerged in floodwaters.
Weather Service Office Warning
The National Weather Service Office in Milwaukee warned that the storms could continue into Sunday, with flash flooding and road flooding possible. It advised drivers to use extreme caution when driving. According to We Energies, tens of thousands of people in Waukesha and Milwaukee counties reported power outages.
Viral Video
Videos of flooding in Milwaukee County, southeastern Wisconsin and the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds are spreading rapidly on social media. The state fair was closed on Sunday, August 10, due to flash flooding that began on August 9.
According to WTMJ-TV, video taken by Madi Stankevich shows cars at the state fair, which was closed early due to flooding Saturday night. The footage also shows people walking near submerged vehicles in the parking lot.
Flooding Causes Extensive Damage
Videos of the Wisconsin State Fair, which ran from July 31 to August 10, were widely shared on X-site. Some cars were nearly submerged in floodwaters at the fairgrounds. Although Milwaukee County is home to the state fair, multiple cameras captured images of water spreading across many parts of the city. One video even showed children playing in floodwaters.