Historic flooding triggered an emergency declaration in Milwaukee County after thunderstorms and torrential rainfall impacted parts of Wisconsin. “The state of emergency was declared Sunday afternoon, hours after parts of southeastern Wisconsin were placed on flood alert and some reported more than a foot of rain,” Wisconsin Public Radio stated. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said “it’s something that Milwaukee hasn’t seen in perhaps a decade or more.” Footage below: DEVELOPING: #Milwaukee County is in a state of emergency from the flooding. The recovery process is expected to be lengthy and could take months. Join us now as we show you some of the damage this morning on @CBS58 #News. #Weather #Wisconsin pic.twitter.com/37FdIOBez9 — Alex Corradetti (@AlexCorradetti) August 11, 2025 More from Wisconsin Public Radio: As of Sunday afternoon, Johnson said there had been no fatalities, but property damage was extensive. And Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley urged the public to exercise caution and stay home if possible as emergency management responds to flooded streets, downed trees and other hazards. “We also want folks to understand that the flooding is still an active emergency situation all across Milwaukee County, and that we are expecting more more rain today and into this evening,” he said. “Please stay cautious, please stay informed and refrain from traveling if you can.” As of Sunday afternoon, more than 16,000 homes in Milwaukee County were without power, according to We Energies. Beginning early Sunday, after nearly 24 hours of rain, the National Weather Service warned of flooded roadways as thunderstorms lingered in the region, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour through early afternoon. “The National Weather Service has issued a forecast for the Fox River in Waukesha, Wisconsin, that re-writes the record books. It’s expected to crest at 10.8 feet – a full 2 feet above the previous record set in 2008,” Mario Nawfal wrote. WISCONSIN'S UNPRECEDENTED FLOOD: FOX RIVER IS GOING HIGHER THAN EVER The National Weather Service has issued a forecast for the Fox River in Waukesha, Wisconsin, that re-writes the record books. It's expected to crest at 10.8 feet – a full 2 feet above the previous record… https://t.co/yEYpxaQFmd pic.twitter.com/YedZhPnqxa — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 10, 2025 WISN 12 News shared additional footage: A powerful storm system brought record-breaking rainfall to southeastern Wisconsin. This video shows overnight flooding on South 13th St. in Milwaukee.https://t.co/uHOLaGqUnc Joshua Wojczak pic.twitter.com/0nts3dleyR — WISN 12 NEWS (@WISN12News) August 10, 2025 WISN 12 News wrote: Johnson said his office has been in contact with the governor about an emergency declaration. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced a state of emergency for Milwaukee County to deploy additional resources and activate state and federal assistance. He warned that more rain was expected later in the day. Officials urged residents to stay indoors and exercise caution, noting that flooding remained an active emergency situation. Fire officials urged residents to avoid flood waters, noting that even shallow water can hide dangerous currents, debris, or open manholes. They warned against driving through standing water, as vehicles can be swept away in just inches of moving water. Residents were also instructed not to enter flooded basements due to electrocution risks and structural hazards. The Red Cross established an emergency shelter on the south side at Holler Park, near Sixth Street and Abbott Avenue, and at Washington Park Senior Center near 44th and Vliet streets. FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul provided coverage: