Flash flood warning for Southeastern Wisconsin — Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties impacted
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for parts of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties. Up to 8 inches of rain has already fallen since last night, with more on the way.
TORRENTIAL rains have triggered flash flooding and significant river flooding across parts of southeastern Wisconsin, prompting multiple warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Milwaukee/Sullivan.
At 7:59 a.m., the NWS issued a Flash Flood Warning for northwestern Milwaukee County, southwestern Ozaukee County, southeastern Washington County, and northeastern Waukesha County, in effect until 11 a.m. CDT.
Rainfall: 0.5 to 1 inch fell in the past hour, adding to 5–8 inches since Saturday evening.
Forecast: Additional 1–2 inches possible, with rainfall rates of 1–1.5 inches per hour.
Impacts: Life-threatening flash flooding is ongoing. Roads are underwater, creeks have overflowed, and moving water is crossing some roadways.
Communities affected: Northern Milwaukee, Menomonee Falls, Mequon, Cedarburg, Sussex, Jackson, Germantown, Lisbon, Merton, Lannon, Richfield, Colgate, Hubertus, Kirchhayn, and Holy Hill.
Root river flooding in Franklin
A Flood Warning was issued at 5:27 a.m. for the Root River at Franklin in Milwaukee County, where minor flooding is expected until Monday evening.
Current level: 7.7 feet at 4 a.m. (flood stage 8.0 feet; bankfull 7.0 feet).
Forecast: Crest at 8.8 feet this afternoon, matching a 1972 flood peak, before dropping below flood stage Monday morning.
Impacts: Portions of Root River Parkway and Oakwood Road are flooded; some yards and farmland along the river are underwater.
Major flooding on Milwaukee River
A Flood Warning remains in effect for the Milwaukee River at Milwaukee, where major flooding is occurring.
Current level: 10.5 feet as of 3:30 a.m. (flood stage 7.0 feet).
Impacts: Widespread flooding in Glendale, inundating Lincoln Park and Kletsch Park. Streets including Bender Road, North Milwaukee River Parkway, and Port Washington Road — as well as a hotel — are affected. Floodwaters have also backed into Lincoln Creek, impacting nearby streets.
Historical context: This crest matches the flood of July 22, 2010.
Safety advice: The NWS urges residents to avoid driving on flooded roads, noting that most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
