News Summary
Southeastern Wisconsin faced an unprecedented storm this past weekend, bringing over 14 inches of rain and causing severe flooding across the region. Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency to aid recovery efforts. With roads closed, businesses damaged, and thousands left without power, the community rallies to support those affected. Environmental concerns rise due to sewage overflows, making this storm a significant disaster in local history. Despite the challenges, residents are determined to restore normalcy as recovery efforts ramp up.
Historic Flooding Hits Southeastern Wisconsin Following Weekend Rainstorm
This past weekend saw southeastern Wisconsin hit with a *once-in-a-lifetime storm*, delivering rain like no one has ever seen before. With **over 14 inches of rain** falling since Saturday evening, the region is grappling with the aftermath and the many challenges that come alongside such extreme weather.
A State of Emergency Declared
In light of the devastation caused by the storm, Gov. Tony Evers jumped into action and declared a state of emergency. This decision has allowed local officials to deploy extra resources needed for relief and recovery efforts. Flood warnings for several rivers in the area were extended until the afternoon of August 12, as teams work tirelessly to monitor conditions and keep residents informed.
Water Levels and Road Closures
It’s hard to believe the extent of this flooding! The Root River water levels reached a jaw-dropping height of **11.71 feet**, though they have since managed to drop to around **9 feet**. Streets, rivers, and low-lying areas became *congested with rushing water*, forcing road closures across the region. For residents in Waukesha, including the area around the Barstow St. Bridge, rising water levels reached the bridge’s superstructure, prompting its closure.
Impact on Local Businesses and Shelters
Local businesses weren’t spared from the storm’s wrath either. Notably, The Mothership bar and Cafe Hollander in Wauwatosa found themselves dealing with considerable water damage, leading to temporary closures. At the same time, the Cathedral Center, a vital homeless shelter, had to shut its doors temporarily due to water intrusion. Such closures highlight how widespread the flooding has been.
Pet Assistance and Community Support
While the storm has brought significant hardship, it has also inspired community rallying. The Washington County Humane Society stepped up to offer temporary housing for pets displaced by the flooding, ensuring that furry friends have a place to stay during this turbulent time. Meanwhile, the American Red Cross opened shelters to provide food, water, and support to those affected.
Sewage Overflows and Environmental Concerns
In Waukesha, the storm led to two notable sewer overflows, with **thousands of gallons of wastewater** discharged into the waters. Furthermore, Cedarburg experienced a major overflow at a wastewater treatment plant, releasing around **250,000 gallons of untreated sewage**. This has raised *serious environmental concerns* both during and after the storm.
A 1,000-Year Flood Event
This weekend’s storm has been classified as a **1,000-year flood event**, a term that refers to the statistical likelihood of such heavy rainfall occurring. Simply put, the chances of this type of downpour happening in any given year are just 1 in 1,000. Unfortunately, southeast Wisconsin found itself on the receiving end of this rare and destructive event.
Power Outages and Cleanup Efforts
As if the floods weren’t enough, residents also faced approximately **5,000 power outages**, particularly concentrated in Milwaukee. City officials are urging residents to report flood-related issues and to stay safe around standing water. Cleanup efforts are already underway, with city workers focusing on clearing debris and assessing damage throughout the region. Additionally, they’re offering waived fees at drop-off centers for flood victims, easing some burden during this recovery period.
What Lies Ahead
As the region begins to recover, the community’s resilience will undoubtedly shine through. Even though the flood warnings remained in effect as of August 11, local officials are hopeful that recovery efforts will soon take precedence over disaster response. The potholes left behind by this storm may linger for some time, but together, the residents of southeastern Wisconsin will surely navigate their way back to normalcy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The New York Times: Wisconsin Flooding and Storms
- Wikipedia: Flood
- WISN: Storm System Lingers Over SE Wisconsin
- Google Search: Wisconsin Flooding
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Flooding Updates
- Google Scholar: Wisconsin Floods 2025
- WISN: Flood Warning Issued for SE Wisconsin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding
- Fox6Now: Wisconsin Severe Weather Alerts
- Google News: Wisconsin Severe Weather
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas 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 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
