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Record rainfall across much of the metro Milwaukee area on August 9 and 10 led to major flash flooding, canceling concerts, submerging cars, and shutting down the Wisconsin State Fair.
The heavy rain was part of a larger system affecting central parts of the United States. The National Weather Service predicted additional rounds of heavy rain likely to produce instances of flash flooding from the central Plains to the Midwest on August 10.
In Milwaukee, no flood-related deaths were reported within the city. Residents faced significant property damage, with Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson noting that people should stay out of their cars and off the roads. Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski reported 65 water rescues overnight, including dozens of people rescued from or on top of their cars.
The full extent of flood damage will be determined in days to come as homeowners and apartment dwellers deal with flooded basements. Jacqueline Zeledon lives near Glendale in Milwaukee’s northwest side and reported three feet of water flooding her basement at 2 a.m., while four neighbors experienced similar flooding up to their thighs.
Events canceled included the Wisconsin State Fair, which was shut down early on August 9, and the USA Triathlon Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee, which were also canceled due to flooding. Even as rains came down on August 9, people at the State Fair found shelter from the storm, with the Wisconsin State FFA Honors Band and Choir performing for a larger-than-expected audience.
According to the National Weather Service, 5.74 inches of rain fell in Milwaukee on August 9, breaking the previous daily rainfall record of 1.64 inches. By early August 10 morning, additional rainfall brought the storm total to nearly 7 inches, with radar estimates showing rainfall totals as high as 10-11 inches around Milwaukee.
River levels in the Milwaukee area continue to fall after extreme storms sent them to record-breaking heights overnight. The Milwaukee River has fallen to 8.7 feet in downtown Milwaukee from a record high of 11.19 feet early on August 10 morning, according to meteorologist Andrew Quigley with the National Weather Service.
The Milwaukee fire department is still working to clear flooded intersections as cars drive through water despite repeated warnings not to do so. Fire Chief Aaron Lipski urged residents to stay out of floodwaters and help clear blocked roads.
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What was a direct consequence of the heavy rainfall in Milwaukee on August 9 and 10?
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