MILWAUKEE (AP) — Flash flooding led to the cancellation of the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday, as heavy rainfall affected several Midwest states, resulting in water rescues, power outages, and road closures. The fair, held in West Allis near Milwaukee, was forced to end after the fairgrounds became inundated due to continuous rain.
Organizers of the Wisconsin State Fair expressed their disappointment in a statement, acknowledging that while it was unfortunate to cancel the concluding day, it was the safest decision in light of the current weather conditions and forecasts. With severe weather expected, the National Weather Service issued flood watches and warnings across areas in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
By early Sunday, some areas around Milwaukee had received as much as 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain. This considerable rainfall led to widespread outages, affecting nearly 47,000 customers of We Energies in southeast Wisconsin. Additionally, USA Triathlon canceled its Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee, where thousands of athletes were anticipated to compete.
The Milwaukee Fire Department responded to over 600 emergency calls related to gas leaks, electrical outages, and water rescues. Meanwhile, city crews worked throughout the night to address surface water issues and ensure public safety. The City of Milwaukee's Department of Public Works urged residents to steer clear of flooded areas, emphasizing the dangers of walking or driving through standing water.
On Saturday, severe winds contributed to a tragic incident in eastern Nebraska, where a tree fell on a woman's car, resulting in her death. In Lincoln, thunderstorms caused significant damage to two housing units at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, displacing 387 prisoners. Fortunately, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services confirmed that all staff and inmates were safe and accounted for despite the chaos brought on by the storms.
The challenging weather system not only disrupted events and services but also posed significant risks to residents across impacted states. As recovery efforts continue, local authorities are emphasizing the need for public awareness regarding safety in severe weather events.
