Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Wauwatosa and Milwaukee, Wisconsin experienced record rainfall leading to significant property damage and a state of emergency declaration. Over a foot of rain was recorded, resulting in widespread flooding, emergency rescues, and power outages affecting over 31,000 residents. The severe storms highlight an alarming trend in extreme weather patterns linked to climate change.
Severe Storms and Record Flooding Strike Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Over the weekend, Wisconsin faced a *devastating deluge* as record-breaking rainfall poured across the state, hitting the city of Wauwatosa and Milwaukee particularly hard. The rainfall began late Saturday night, August 9, and continued into Sunday, August 10, leading to *significant property damage* and prompting officials in Milwaukee County to declare a *state of emergency* to address the aftermath of the severe weather.
Residents were met with some jaw-dropping numbers as Milwaukee experienced around *a foot of rain*, while other areas recorded even higher amounts, between 8 to 11 inches. This unprecedented rainfall resulted in the cancellation of the last day of the *Wisconsin State Fair*, as the grounds became inundated and unsafe for visitors.
The impact wasn’t just felt in the fairgrounds; the flooding had serious repercussions elsewhere, too. A *Nebraska prison* sustained considerable damage and forced the relocation of *387 inmates*. In the chaos, at least one life was tragically lost due to the storm, and another person suffered serious injuries after a tree fell on their vehicle.
In Milwaukee, Mayor Cavalier Johnson reported that major property damage and *widespread power outages* affected the community, with more than *31,000 utility customers* losing electricity due to the severe weather. The Milwaukee Fire Department worked around the clock, responding to approximately *614 emergency calls* between Saturday night and Sunday morning, including 65 water rescues to help families and pets trapped in floodwaters.
Reports from local residents painted a grim picture of the flooding, describing a scene of *total devastation*. Many homes faced severe damages, with countless basements flooded and left uninhabitable. Emergency services dealt with over *500 calls* regarding flooded basements, blocked storm drains, and traffic incidents caused by standing water.
The situation was so critical that drone footage revealed *vehicles completely submerged* in floodwaters, highlighting the extent of the damage that has left many locals shocked. As the emergency response efforts continue, several roads and intersections remain closed, as authorities prioritize the safety of residents and ongoing cleanup efforts.
The storms rolled in due to a *clash between cool, dry air* and *moisture-laden conditions*, resulting in severe thunderstorms across the Midwest. As unsettling as it may sound, Wisconsin’s experience with such extreme weather patterns is becoming more common and has been linked to the growing concerns regarding *climate change*.
FAQs
What caused the severe storms in Wisconsin?
The storms were triggered by a clash between cool, dry air and moisture-laden conditions, leading to severe thunderstorms across the Midwest.
How much rain fell during the storms?
Milwaukee experienced about *a foot of rain*, with other areas recording between 8 to 11 inches.
What actions were taken in response to the flooding?
Milwaukee County officials declared a state of emergency, and emergency responders responded to numerous calls for help, conducting 65 water rescues.
Is climate change contributing to these weather patterns?
Yes, the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events have been linked to climate change concerns.
Key Features of the Severe Storms
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rainfall | Approximately a foot of rain in Milwaukee; some areas recorded between 8 to 11 inches |
| Emergency Declarations | Milwaukee County declared a state of emergency |
| Power Outages | Over 31,000 customers lost power |
| Emergency Responses | 614 emergency calls, including 65 water rescues |
| Property Damage | Extensive damage reported; many basements rendered uninhabitable |
| Flooding Impact | Companies and facilities affected; Nebraska prison relocated 387 inmates |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NBC News: Flash Flooding Slams Midwest
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- The New York Times: Wisconsin Flood Storms
- Google Search: Wisconsin Floods 2025
- Axios: Milwaukee Flooding and Rain Record
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- WISN: Heavy Rainfall Leads to Massive Flooding in Wauwatosa
- Google News: Wauwatosa Flooding 2025
- USA Today: Milwaukee Flash Floods Trigger Chaos
- Google Search: Milwaukee Flash Floods
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
