Over the weekend, parts of Wisconsin experienced severe flash floods. Photos and videos circulated online showing submerged cars, and remarkably, one person was seen swimming through the water.
Around 5.74 inches of rain fell in Milwaukee, and by early Sunday, that number climbed to 6.69 inches, as reported by Fox Weather.
Fox6 News Milwaukee meteorologist Stephanie Barrichello mentioned in a Sunday interview that official flash flood warnings and advisories were issued as the storm passed through the region. More rain was anticipated on Sunday, according to the station.
One video that made the rounds on social media appeared to show an individual swimming past submerged vehicles amidst the flooding.
In a morning update posted on social media, the Wisconsin State Fair announced its early closure due to the flash floods.
Officials decided not to reopen the Fair on Sunday, August 10th, expressing understanding of the disappointment felt among participants who had worked hard for the event’s final eleven days. They emphasized that safety remained a top priority.
While they regretted the closure, they believed it was the best decision given the current conditions and forecasts.
A photo shared online depicted floodwaters rising high in the fairgrounds, with a vehicle partially submerged.
Footage revealed heavy rain as attendees made their way through the parking area.
Another clip showed a fairgoer holding an umbrella and shoes while navigating the wet grounds. A woman can be heard asking someone off-camera whether they were planning to walk in their socks or take off their shoes.
Mayor Peter Brugelis reported a surge of calls to 911 related to the flooding. Many roads were closed by first responders, creating hazardous conditions for travelers in the area.
In neighboring Nebraska, severe weather resulted in a tragic incident where a person died after a tree fell on a car during strong winds.
A report from Fox Weather indicated that slow-moving cold fronts were causing storms to repeatedly hit the same areas, leading to heavy rain across the Midwest and parts of the Plains.
