Historic Milwaukee Flooding After Record-Breaking Rainfall in August 2025

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This post reviews the flooding/”>extreme rainfall and flooding that hit Milwaukee on August 9, 2025. It places the event in context, describes immediate impacts, and summarizes warnings and response priorities for residents and emergency managers.

I draw on three decades of experience in hydrology and urban flood management to explain what happened and why it matters.

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What happened: record rains and a river crest

Milwaukee recorded its second-wettest 24-hour period on August 9, 2025, when 146 mm (5.74 inches) of rain fell in a single day within the city limits. Storm totals were even higher in the region, approaching 178 mm (7 inches) in parts of Milwaukee and reaching up to 279 mm (11 inches) in nearby locations.

The Milwaukee River at Estabrook Park crested at 3.41 m (11.19 feet), exceeding the previous high set in 2010 and entering major flood stage. These volumes, concentrated over saturated catchments and urban surfaces, produced rapid runoff and widespread inundation of low-lying areas.

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Immediate impacts across the city

The deluge translated into substantial and varied impacts across metropolitan Milwaukee. Critical transportation corridors and parks were inundated, neighborhoods experienced basement and street flooding, and hundreds of vehicles were stranded.

Public events and venues were disrupted, and emergency services were heavily engaged.

  • Public events: The Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis was shut down, concerts and performances — including a scheduled Lynyrd Skynyrd show — were canceled, and USA Triathlon events were called off.
  • Sports venues: American Family Field lost access to roughly half its parking lots; the Brewers–Mets game continued under a closed roof but logistical impacts were significant.
  • Rescues and outages: Emergency teams responded to hundreds of water rescues, and approximately 47,000 customers experienced power outages across southeastern Wisconsin.
  • Forecasts, risks, and what emergency services reported

    Forecasters warned that the weather systems responsible for this event were slow-moving. This raised the prospect of additional heavy rainfall and severe weather over the coming days.

    When storms stall or move slowly, the risk of repeated extreme rainfall at the same locations increases substantially.

    In addition to further heavy rain, the National Weather Service and Weather Prediction Center highlighted several associated hazards that can compound flood impacts.

    Forecaster warnings and preparedness actions

    The meteorological outlook included a Moderate Risk of excessive rainfall over parts of the central U.S. There was also the possibility of another stalled front affecting the southeastern Atlantic coast.

    Forecasters specifically cited the potential for very large hail and damaging straight-line winds. Isolated tornadoes and additional flash flooding were also mentioned — a troubling combination when soils are already saturated.

    From a practical standpoint, residents and local leaders should pay attention to these priorities:

  • Avoid driving through flooded roadways: Most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles. If water covers a road, turn around.
  • Be ready for power interruptions: Keep an emergency kit with water, food, medications, and a battery-powered radio or charger.
  • Monitor official channels: Follow National Weather Service and local emergency management alerts for watches, warnings, and evacuation notices.
  • Protect property where you can: Move valuables out of basements, sandbag critical low points if advised, and document flood damage for insurance claims.
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    Here is the source article for this story: Historic flooding hits Milwaukee region after record-breaking rainfall, Wisconsin

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