On Sunday night, the Midwest was battered by severe storms, resulting in widespread travel disruptions and flood alerts impacting millions of Americans. Denver International Airport reported significant chaos, with 21 canceled flights and over 900 delays attributed to the harsh conditions, as noted by FlightAware. Major airlines such as Southwest and United experienced major disruptions, with hundreds of delays recorded, reflecting the severity of the weather’s impact on air travel.
The National Weather Service issued extensive flood watches and warnings across multiple states, including Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Following heavy rainfall that began Saturday, the service warned that additional rounds of intense storms bringing hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes could persist into Monday. This alert came on the heels of a series of at least 24 storms that pummeled the Upper Midwest, notably producing wind gusts of 80 to 90 mph in Omaha, Nebraska, and nearly a foot of rain in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee faced particularly severe conditions, with flood watches remaining in effect until Monday morning. The city recorded nearly 14 inches of rain over the weekend, causing significant river flooding. Emergency services, including the Milwaukee Fire Department, responded to over 600 calls related to gas leaks, flooded basements, and power outages, necessitating the opening of shelters for displaced residents. Fire Chief Aaron Lipski emphasized the ongoing nature of the emergency, stating they were still “catching up” on incidents.
As of Monday morning, nearly 14,000 residents remained without electrical power, a troubling consequence of the storms. Sporting events, such as the Brewers and Mets game at American Family Field, went on as scheduled, yet the once-bustling parking lot lay eerily empty due to warnings against travel. Officials urged residents to avoid navigating standing water, emphasizing the persistent danger posed by the flooding.
In response to the overwhelming rainfall and flooding, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley declared a state of emergency. He expressed grave concerns about public safety, advising residents to stay cautious, stay informed, and avoid unnecessary travel. Crowley also encouraged the community to check on one another and extend help to vulnerable populations, highlighting the collective spirit in the face of this natural disaster.
Event cancellations ensued due to the severe weather, including the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair, as heavy rain flooded the fairgrounds, closing busy roads and leaving many motorists stranded. Organizers expressed regret over the decision but deemed it necessary given the hazardous conditions. Wisconsin’s leaders, including Governor Tony Evers, began discussions about securing federal assistance, suggesting that the ongoing crisis might necessitate further support as they navigated the aftermath of the storm.
