Historic Flooding Devastates Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin

Record-breaking rainfall caused severe flash flooding in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin, with some areas receiving up to a foot of rain—possibly the largest single-event rainfall in state history. The flooding led to at least 65 water rescues in Milwaukee, submerged vehicles near American Family Field, and the closure of major events including the Wisconsin State Fair. Residents experienced widespread basement flooding and significant property loss, overwhelming emergency services. The National Weather Service warned that saturated ground and potential further rainfall could worsen flooding. Similar flash flood emergencies were reported in Pinellas County, Florida, and Jasper County, South Carolina, indicating a broader pattern of extreme weather across the central and southeastern United States. No flood-related deaths have been reported in Milwaukee so far, but the full extent of the damage remains under assessment.