FEMA could arrive in Wisconsin this week to begin flood damage assessment, Crowley says
FEMA's anticipated arrival to perform a Preliminary Damage Assessment comes as early damage estimates surpass $34 million, Crowley said in a news release.
After that assessment, FEMA's regional administrator will make a recommendation on a presidential disaster declaration, which would authorize federal disaster assistance.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reached out to FEMA Region 5, which covers Wisconsin, for additional details on when the agency will arrive. A White House official said, 'The White House is prepared to respond appropriately to any request for Federal assistance.'
The same morning Crowley's office shared updates Aug. 19, Wisconsin's entire congressional delegation sent a letter to FEMA urging the agency to conduct a "timely" damage assessment with Wisconsin Emergency Management.
"We understand that state officials are actively collecting and compiling detailed damage assessment information to provide to FEMA. We urge FEMA to begin work in partnership with Wisconsin Emergency Management as soon as possible so that this process can move forward without delay," read the letter, signed by each of Wisconsin's Republican and Democratic members of Congress.
"We anticipate that the state will promptly submit a formal request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration following completion of the (Public Damage Assessment)," they wrote.
More: Evers tours flooded homes, says he hopes Trump will make a timely decision on FEMA aid
Milwaukee's Common Council also called on President Donald Trump to issue a presidential major disaster declaration, calling it "essential for individual aid, infrastructure fixes, and long-term resilience against climate's growing threat to our watershed region."
"As front-line representatives engaging directly with residents, we have heard their cries firsthand: The historic flooding of August 9 and 10, 2025, has devastated thousands, leaving families homeless, livelihoods destroyed, and futures uncertain," read the Aug. 18 letter, co-signed by all 15 council members.
Between 10 and 13 inches of rain fell in just several hours in parts of southeastern Wisconsin between Aug. 9 and 10.
As of Monday, Aug. 18, the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management, Wisconsin Emergency Management and more than 300 volunteers had completed 3,434 property assessments.
About 53% of those inspections were categorized as "destroyed" or having "major damage." FEMA teams will focus on areas with those levels of damage, Crowley said, and emergency management staff will accompany them.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel found that more than 11,500 requests for flood-related services came into the 211 helpline from across Milwaukee County and the surrounding Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties between Aug. 10 and the afternoon of Aug. 14. Of that number, roughly 85% of the requests for service came from Milwaukee alone. As of Aug. 19, Milwaukee County has reached more than 12,000 damage reports submitted to 211.
Preliminary 211 data showed the highest number of requests came from Milwaukee County's northwest side, along with West Milwaukee, in particular from ZIP codes 53218, 53209, and 53216. Reports from 211 calls also included basement water depths, as well as thousands of reports of utility disruptions and structural damage.
County officials are urging residents to call 211 or visit 211wisconsin.communityos.org/damage-report to submit a damage report, ensuring eligibility for future financial assistance. The county says officials may not visit all homes that report damage but may perform a "drive-by" assessment to look at damage visible from the curb.
Be wary of people posing as FEMA officials
Local officials warn scammers often descend on areas hit by a crisis.
If someone arrives at your house to assess damage, they will introduce themselves and show a badge. You should check those credentials before letting anyone inside or sharing personal information.
If you're unsure, you can keep your door closed and contact local authorities. You can also report instances of suspected fraud by emailing StgopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or calling 866-223-0814.
The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection also warns homeowners to be wary of door-to-door home repair and remediation crews that use high-pressure tactics. The agency encourages consumers to hire local contractors and contact city officials to confirm the crew has the proper permits.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: FEMA may arrive in Wisconsin as early as Thursday, Crowley says
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