Flooding cancels last day of Wisconsin State Fair as authorities make water rescues in Milwaukee
Share and Follow


MILWAUKEE (AP) — Flash flooding canceled the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday as continued heavy rainfall in half a dozen Midwest states led to water rescues, power outages and road closures.

Organizers of the Wisconsin State Fair said they were canceling the final day of the 11-day event after rains flooded the fairgrounds in West Allis, which is just outside Milwaukee.

“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,” organizers said in a statement.

The National Weather Service issued flood watches and warnings for parts of Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin. After rainfall began on Saturday in some areas forecasters predicted “repeated rounds of heavy rain,” along with hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes on Sunday.

Among the worst hit was the Milwaukee area, where as many as 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain had fallen in some areas by early Sunday. Nearly 47,000 customers of We Energies lost power in southeast Wisconsin. USA Triathlon also canceled its Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee, where thousands of athletes were expected to participate.

Firefighters responded to over 600 calls including for gas leaks, electrical outages and water rescues, according to the Milwaukee Fire Department. Meanwhile, city crews worked overnight to clear surface water.

“Please continue to avoid flooded areas and do not walk or drive through standing water,” the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works pleaded in a statement. “It remains dangerous.”

On Saturday, strong winds led to the death of one person in eastern Nebraska after a tree fell on a woman’s car. In the state capital of Lincoln, the storms damaged two housing units at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, displacing 387 prisoners, the state Department of Correctional Services said. The agency said all staff and incarcerated individuals were safe and accounted for.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Exclusive | Times Square hotel offering $120K NYE packages for couples

Unwrap Luxury: Times Square Hotel Unveils $120K New Year’s Eve Experience for Couples

Get ready to dig deep into your pockets if you plan to…
Officer pulls missing boy from freezing pond and reunites him with dad

Officer Rescues Missing Boy from Icy Pond, Reunites Him with Father

In a remarkable rescue that unfolded on Christmas night, a police officer…
How hurricanes help balance the planet's climate

Discover How Hurricanes Play a Crucial Role in Stabilizing Earth’s Climate

Hurricanes serve as potent reminders of our planet’s interconnectedness, illustrating how even…
LSU vs. Houston prediction: Odds, picks, best bet for Texas Bowl

LSU vs. Houston Preview: Expert Predictions, Betting Odds, and Top Picks for the Texas Bowl

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Iranian president says his country is at 'total war' with the US, Israel and Europe: reports

Iran Declares ‘Total War’ Against US, Israel, and Europe Amid Escalating Tensions: President’s Bold Statement Sparks Global Concern

Huckabee says Iran’s ‘ultimate goal is to destroy the US’ At a…
Pop-Tarts Bowl features shenanigans and mascot sacrifices following BYU win

BYU Victory at Pop-Tarts Bowl Brings Unexpected Mascot Antics and Surprises

The postgame scene at the Pop-Tarts Bowl was a mix of quirky…
Selena Gomez steps out after first Christmas with Benny Blanco

Selena Gomez Enjoys Outing Following Her First Christmas Celebration with Benny Blanco

After enjoying her first Christmas with husband Benny Blanco, Selena Gomez indulged…
Evacuations in California as gas pipeline bursts amid landslide fears

California Residents Evacuated Due to Gas Pipeline Rupture and Landslide Concerns

A significant gas pipeline rupture occurred in California’s valley on Saturday evening,…