Wisconsin State Fair Canceled as Floods Leave Thousands Without Power

The Wisconsin State Fair has been canceled for its final day as severe flooding devastated the Milwaukee area, leaving nearly 18,000 residents without power and forcing motorists to abandon their vehicles on flooded roadways.

Fair organizers announced Sunday they were scrapping the conclusion of the popular 11-day event after heavy rains flooded the fairgrounds in West Allis, just outside Milwaukee.

Why It Matters

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued flood watches and warnings across six Midwest states, including Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Milwaukee bore the brunt of the storm system, with some areas receiving up to 14 inches of rainfall by Sunday evening.

The flooding has created cascading impacts across transportation, utilities, and public safety systems.

What To Know

Milwaukee area emergency responders have been overwhelmed by the crisis. The Milwaukee Fire Department reported responding to over 600 calls, including gas leaks, flooded basements, electrical outages, and water rescues. We Energies confirmed nearly 18,000 customers remained without power late Sunday across southeast Wisconsin.

The flooding forced the cancellation of USA Triathlon’s Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee, where thousands of athletes were expected to participate. Even the Milwaukee Brewers’ game at American Family Field proceeded despite an inaccessible parking lot.

River flooding has been reported in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties, with the Menomonee River overflowing and submerging a popular playground in suburban Wauwatosa. The Red Cross opened two emergency shelters for displaced residents.

Weather forecasters predict continued challenges, with “repeated rounds of heavy rain” expected through Monday, along with potential hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes.

What People Are Saying

Wisconsin State Fair Organizers said in a statement: “We are saddened we cannot deliver this final day of the Wisconsin State Fair but know that this is the best decision with current conditions and the forecast ahead.”

National Weather Service Meteorologist Andrew Quigley told the Associated Press: “Really unfortunately, it’s just a really bad overlap of circumstances in terms of how all this rain fell but then fell over such a populated area.”

Milwaukee Fire Department Chief Aaron Lipski told reporters on Sunday: “We’re still in the middle of it. We’re still catching up right now.”

What Happens Next?

Emergency crews continue working to clear surface water and respond to ongoing rescue calls throughout southeastern Wisconsin. The NWS maintains flood warnings through Monday as additional rainfall is expected.

Fair organizers will assess damage to the West Allis fairgrounds to determine cleanup timelines and preparation for next year’s event. Utility crews from We Energies are working to restore power to the thousands of affected customers, though restoration timelines remain unclear given ongoing weather conditions.

City officials continue urging residents to avoid driving or walking through standing water as conditions remain dangerous. The full extent of infrastructure damage and economic impact from the flooding will likely take days to assess as waters recede.

Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.