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Nearly 200,000 warned to avoid travel as emergency declared

Severe Flooding Hits Milwaukee Amid Record Rainfall in Wisconsin: State of Emergency Declared

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is grappling with severe flooding following an intense bout of heavy rainfall that has battered the region, prompting officials to issue urgent travel warnings and declare a state of emergency. The deluge, which began over the weekend and continued into the early part of the week, has transformed streets into rivers, submerged vehicles, and forced evacuations in low-lying areas. Governor Tony Evers announced the state of emergency on Monday, mobilizing resources to assist affected communities and highlighting the growing threat of extreme weather events in the Midwest.

The flooding stems from a powerful storm system that dumped unprecedented amounts of rain across southeastern Wisconsin. According to meteorological reports, some areas received up to 8 inches of precipitation in just 24 hours, shattering local records and overwhelming drainage systems. Milwaukee County, home to the state's largest city, has been hit particularly hard. Flash floods have inundated neighborhoods, with water levels rising rapidly in basements, underpasses, and along the Milwaukee River. Residents in areas like the Historic Third Ward and parts of the Menomonee Valley reported water surging into homes and businesses, causing significant property damage and disrupting daily life.

Local authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, emphasizing the dangers of flooded roadways. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation issued widespread warnings, closing several highways and interstates, including portions of I-94 and I-43, where standing water has created hazardous conditions. "Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas," a spokesperson for the department stated in a press release. "Turn around, don't drown." This mantra has been echoed by emergency services as rescue teams have already pulled dozens of people from stranded vehicles. In one notable incident, firefighters in Milwaukee rescued a family of four whose car was swept away by fast-moving waters near the Kinnickinnic River.

The state of emergency declaration by Governor Evers unlocks federal funding and allows for the deployment of the National Guard if needed. "Our priority is ensuring the safety of all Wisconsinites," Evers said in a statement. "This flooding is a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change, and we're committed to providing the necessary support to recover." The declaration covers multiple counties, including Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Racine, where similar flooding has affected rural and urban areas alike. Emergency shelters have been set up in community centers and schools, providing refuge for those displaced by the waters.

Beyond Milwaukee, the storms have caused widespread disruptions throughout Wisconsin. In Madison, the state capital, heavy rains led to minor flooding in parks and along Lake Mendota, though the impacts were less severe. Further north, in Green Bay, overflowing rivers have threatened agricultural lands, raising concerns about crop damage during the growing season. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches and warnings across much of the state, predicting that rivers like the Fox and Wisconsin could crest at dangerous levels in the coming days. Meteorologists attribute the intensity of the rainfall to a stalled frontal system combined with moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, a pattern that has become more common in recent years due to warming atmospheric conditions.

Residents and local officials are drawing parallels to past flooding events, such as the devastating 2010 floods that caused millions in damages. "This is worse than anything I've seen in decades," said Milwaukee resident Maria Gonzalez, who was forced to evacuate her home near the river. "The water came up so fast; we barely had time to grab our things." Community response has been swift, with volunteers distributing sandbags and helping elderly neighbors relocate. Nonprofits like the American Red Cross are on the ground, offering food, water, and temporary housing.

The economic toll is already mounting. Businesses in downtown Milwaukee, a hub for tourism and commerce, have shuttered due to water damage, and power outages have affected thousands of households. Utility companies are working around the clock to restore services, but flooded substations have complicated efforts. Insurance experts predict claims could reach into the tens of millions, exacerbating financial strains on families and small businesses still recovering from the pandemic.

Environmental experts are using this event to underscore the need for improved infrastructure. "Wisconsin's aging stormwater systems are no match for these increasingly frequent deluges," noted Dr. Elena Ramirez, a hydrologist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. "We need investments in green infrastructure, like permeable pavements and expanded wetlands, to mitigate future risks." Climate models suggest that the Great Lakes region could see a 20-30% increase in heavy precipitation events by mid-century, making events like this more commonplace.

As the rain tapers off, the focus shifts to recovery and cleanup. Crews are pumping water from flooded areas, assessing structural damage to bridges and roads, and monitoring for potential landslides in hilly terrains. Health officials are warning of contaminated water risks, advising residents to boil water or use bottled supplies until tests confirm safety. Animal shelters are also dealing with an influx of displaced pets, urging owners to include animals in evacuation plans.

In a show of solidarity, neighboring states like Illinois and Minnesota have offered assistance, with emergency management teams sharing resources. President Joe Biden's administration has been briefed on the situation, and federal aid could be forthcoming if damages meet certain thresholds. For now, Wisconsinites are banding together, resilient in the face of nature's fury.

This flooding event not only highlights immediate dangers but also serves as a call to action on broader issues like climate resilience and urban planning. As cleanup begins, questions linger about how prepared the region is for the next storm. With more rain possible later in the week, vigilance remains key. (Word count: 842)

Read the Full Newsweek Article at:
[ https://www.newsweek.com/milwaukee-floods-wisconsin-rain-travel-warning-state-emergency-2111971 ]