Lightning floods forced the abolition of the last day of Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday after the persistent rainfall soaked several Midwest states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Iowy, Kansas and Nebrasky. The eleven -day event at the West Allis Exhibition Grounds, just before Milwaukee, was shortened when the water flooded the land.
The organizers expressed regret at the abolition, but emphasized concerns about security. “We are saddened that we cannot deliver this last day of Wisconsin State Fair, but we know that this is the best decision with current conditions and forecasts ahead,” the fair organizers said.
A strong weather warning and a widespread impact
The National Meteorological Service released a flood watch and warnings for a large part of the region. Prognostics warned against “repeated wheels of heavy rain”, accompanied by hail, wind damage and isolated tornadoes on Sunday.
Milwaukee and the surrounding areas were particularly hard, some places recorded up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain on early Sunday. Strong rains have caused significant disruptions, including extensive power outages that affect almost 47,000 energy customers in southeast Wisconsin.
Reaction to emergency situations and public security
Firefighters Milwaukee reported that they responded to more than 600 calls related to gas leaks, electric outages and water rescue. The city crews worked overnight to remove surface water from the streets.
The public work department in Milwaukee has published a security counseling that urged the inhabitants: “Continue to avoid flooded areas and do not go or move with standing water.”
Damage to storms and victims elsewhere
The storms also took tolls in Nebraska, where strong winds caused death in the eastern parts of the state when the tree fell on a female vehicle. In Lincoln, the State City of Nebraska suffered damage to two housing units and moved 387 prisoners. The authorities have confirmed that all employees and prisoners were safe and charged, the state ministry of remedial services said.
Cancellation of events exceeds Wisconsin
The strong weather also forced the abolition of the US triathlon sprint and the parathriathlon national championships in Milwaukee, where thousands of athletes were expected to compete.
(Tagstotranslate) Wisconsin lightning floods (T) Milwaukee Flood Emergency
