14 million US residents remain under flood alerts in Midwest
Share and Follow

Nearly 14 million Americans remained under flood alerts Sunday night, as damaging storms continued to batter the Midwest.

Weather forecasters are now alerting residents from Kansas to Wisconsin about the potential for ‘repeated rounds of heavy rain.’ In addition, people should be prepared for hail, damaging winds, and even isolated tornadoes that could occur overnight.

This warning follows a day where at least 24 storms battered the Upper Midwest on Saturday. Reports came in of wind gusts reaching 80 to 90 mph in Omaha, Nebraska, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin experienced up to a foot of rain, as noted by NBC News.

Worrying videos circulating online depicted the high water levels in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where the Menomonee River overflowed, submerging a bridge and causing debris from the vicinity to accumulate on the road.

Water was also seen rushing past houses as fast-moving streams raced down residential streets, leaving at least one man stranded sitting on the hood of a car as the water passed him.

Residents near the Menomonee River were also trapped inside their homes in the early hours of Sunday morning after severe flooding swamped the area. 

Other clips showed Wisconsinites desperately trying to flee the State Fair, with their hoods and umbrellas up as they waded through four-inch deep puddles.

By Sunday, firefighters in Milwaukee said they responded to more than 600 calls for gas leaks, flooded basements, electrical outages and water rescues.

Damaging flash flooding on Saturday left Midwesterners stranded in their homes. First responders are pictured here rescuing residents from their homes in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Damaging flash flooding on Saturday left Midwesterners stranded in their homes. First responders are pictured here rescuing residents from their homes in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

High water levels in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin overtook a bridge meant to span across the Menomonee River

High water levels in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin overtook a bridge meant to span across the Menomonee River

Water was also seen rushing past houses as fast-moving streams raced down residential streets in Wauwatosa

Water was also seen rushing past houses as fast-moving streams raced down residential streets in Wauwatosa 

Nearly 14 million Americans remained under a flood alert Sunday night

Nearly 14 million Americans remained under a flood alert Sunday night

‘We’re still in the middle of it,’ Fire Chief Aaron Lipski told reporters. ‘We’re still catching up right now.’ 

As of 6.30pm EST, nearly 31,700 Wisconsinites remained without power, according to PowerOutage.us, which tracks power outages across the country.

The deluge ultimately forced the Wisconsin State Fair to cancel its final day of festivities, after already scrapping their main stage performance, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Saturday night.

TMJ4 also shared video footage they had of vehicles trapped in the flood waters at the fair. 

‘We understand the disappointment you may feel as our team works all year for these 11 days,’ organizers said in a statement. ‘However, the safety o our fairgoers, team, partners and vendors will always be our top priority.’

‘We are saddened we cannot deliver this final day of the Wisconsin State Fair, but know that this is the best decision with current conditions and the forecast ahead,’ they added.

In another update, the fair organizers said those who had purchased tickets for Sunday can exchange them for next year’s event, and tickets for specific events that were supposed to be held on Sunday would be refunded.

USA Triathlon also canceled its Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee on Sunday, where thousands of athletes were expected to participate.

Fairgoers were forced to flee the Wisconsin State Fair on Saturday night

Fairgoers were forced to flee the Wisconsin State Fair on Saturday night

Fairgoers had to wade through four-inch deep water to get to safety

Fairgoers had to wade through four-inch deep water to get to safety 

Images emerged of flood waters rising over cars in the state, in one clip a man is seen stranded sitting on the hood of a car

Images emerged of flood waters rising over cars in the state, in one clip a man is seen stranded sitting on the hood of a car

Yet a Sunday afternoon Milwaukee Brewers game against the New York Mets at American Family Field was expected to continue as scheduled – though the baseball team warned the parking lot remained inaccessible to traffic.

‘We will not be able to guarantee parking for all fans, even those who purchased parking in advance,’ the Brewers said as additional rounds of thunderstorms moved across Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin and Illinois.

Flood warnings will now remain in effect through Monday from Kansas through Wisconsin, with forecasters warning there could be another one to six inches of rain possible overnight. 

In the meantime, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley declared  state of emergency – saying his top priority is the safety of the county’s residents.

‘We’re going to need, possibly, some federal assistance,’ he said at a Sunday briefing, adding that Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers will also declare a state of emergency in order to secure federal aid. 

The Wisconsin State Fair was forced to cancel its last day of festivities

The Wisconsin State Fair was forced to cancel its last day of festivities

Other videos shared online show streets in the state flooded with rainfall totals exceeding six inches in some parts of the state

Other videos shared online show streets in the state flooded with rainfall totals exceeding six inches in some parts of the state

Nearly 31,700 Wisconsinites remained without power Sunday evening

Nearly 31,700 Wisconsinites remained without power Sunday evening

The NWS urges anyone caught in a flash flood to 'turn around, don't drown' and to avoid getting in a car

The NWS urges anyone caught in a flash flood to ‘turn around, don’t drown’ and to avoid getting in a car

But for now, he urged residents to prioritize their safety.

‘We want folks to know that we’re all in this together,’ Crowley said.

‘Be safe of any hazards that may be out there, whether that’s in your house, in your basement or out in the streets,’ he continued. ‘You know that we have to look out for one another.’

Milwaukee city officials also warned residents to avoid driving or walking in standing waters, with the Department of Public Works warning: ‘It remains dangerous.’ 

The NWS also urged anyone caught in a flash flood to ‘turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. 

‘Most flood deaths occur in vehicles,’ they added.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Chicago Public Schools: Ex-Little Village Lawndale High Dean Sentenced to 22 Years for Sexual Abuse

CHICAGO (WLS) — A former Chicago Public Schools dean has been sentenced…

Deputy Accused of Killing Former Partner Takes Own Life After Standoff

Editor’s Note: This article contains discussions of suicide. Reader discretion is advised.…

Luigi Mangione defense shared same records they claimed constituted privacy violation: prosecutors

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! He is accused of…

New Insights Uncovered by the Latest Videos and Reports on the Uvalde School Shooting

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Anguished pleas from parents. Confused police officers. The…

Widows of Gaudreau Brothers Share Their Heartbreaking Journey a Year After Tragic DUI Crash

The widows of hockey player brothers Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau are speaking…

Taco Bell Introduces New Additions to Mtn Dew Baja Blast Range After 20 Years

(KTLA) — For the first time in two decades, Taco Bell is…

Plane Crash at Montana Airport: Socata TBM 700 Hits Parked Aircraft During Landing, Ignites Fire Near Kalispell

KALISPELL, Mont. — A small plane landing on Monday at a Montana…

Secluded Paradise for Sale: Ohio Island Retreat Listed at $1.59 Million

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) The opportunity to get away from it all on…