
Wisconsin State Fair cancelled amid severe flooding and power failures
Severe storms swept across parts of the Midwest, causing widespread power outages that left nearly 18,000 households in southeast Wisconsin without electricity.Floodwaters also led to stranded motorists abandoning vehicles and forced the closure of major roads. The National Weather Service reported up to 14 inches of rainfall in some areas around Milwaukee, resulting in river flooding and submerged neighbourhoods.SAFETY CONCERNS HALT ANNUAL CELEBRATIONFirefighters responded to over 600 emergency calls, including rescues, flooded basements, and gas leaks. Shelters were opened to assist displaced residents. Authorities warned the public to avoid travelling on flooded streets, describing conditions as dangerous and unpredictable. Other scheduled events in the region, including USA Triathlon championships, were also cancelled due to the severe weather."We're still in the middle of it," Fire Chief Aaron Lipski told reporters Sunday. "We're still catching up right now."WILL THE FAIR BE RESCHEDULED?Organisers have not announced any plans to reschedule the cancelled day of the fair. Information on ticket refunds has not been released yet.- EndsWith inputs from Assocaited Press

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Mint
7 hours ago
- Mint
Wildfires, extreme heat, and storm threats grip Western US; temperature set to rise in New York City, other places
As the western United States braces for a week marked by fires, storms, and near-record high temperatures, authorities and experts warn of escalating challenges from multiple natural hazards. The largest ongoing wildfire, the Gifford Fire, located about 125 miles northwest of Los Angeles, has burned 114,621 acres and is 21% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), as reported by Bloomberg. The blaze has prompted the evacuation of 809 residents and led to the closure of the Los Padres National Forest. Nearly 4,000 fire crews and support personnel are engaged in battling the fire, with at least seven injured, according to a joint statement by Cal Fire, the US Forest Service, and local agencies shared with the news outlet. California faces a total of 15 active fires, including the Canyon Fire, which has consumed 5,370 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Additionally, a new fire near Fresno ignited Sunday but has so far burned only about 10 acres, the news outlet reports. Meanwhile, Colorado is grappling with large wildfires causing deteriorated air quality, especially in western areas such as Vail, according to the US National Weather Service as cited by the news publicatio. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is also impacting air quality in parts of the northern US. Minnesota and Michigan's Upper Peninsula have issued air quality alerts due to drifting smoke from Canada's forest fires. Across the border, parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are under similar warnings, Environment and Climate Change Canada confirmed to Bloomberg. Canada currently contends with 714 active fires, with 166 out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. This year, Canadian wildfires have scorched 7.3 million acres, while the US has seen 42,854 fires burning 3.5 million acres, per data from the US National Interagency Fire Center as reported. Heat advisories and extreme heat warnings remain in effect across much of the western US, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Phoenix is expected to reach 108°F on Sunday, down from a record-breaking 118°F on Thursday, the fifth highest US city temperature ever recorded. Temperatures are expected to climb in New York City and across the Northeast, with up to 12 records likely to be tied or broken in the coming week, according to the US Weather Prediction Center. The Northeast is forecast to experience rising temperatures with the potential for up to 12 record highs in the coming week, the US Weather Prediction Center was quoted as stating. Flood watches are also in effect across parts of the Midwest, including Milwaukee, where the Milwaukee River at Estabrook Park surged to a record crest of 11.19 feet, rising more than eight feet in just one day, the US Weather Service reportedly said. The Wisconsin State Fair canceled its final day on Sunday due to flooding damage. In the Atlantic, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring two potential storm systems far from land. One is a disorganised cluster of thunderstorms moving north with a 20% chance of tropical development, while a broad low-pressure area off Africa has a 70% chance of becoming a tropical storm or hurricane within a week. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic in Europe, the remnants of Tropical Storm Dexter are expected to bring warmer temperatures to the UK and Ireland next week. The UK Met Office forecasts highs reaching 33°C (91°F) in London by Tuesday, marking a significant heat surge, according to the news report.

Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Wisconsin flooding: Milwaukee declares State of Emergency, areal and river flood warnings issued for several counties
Several counties in southeastern Wisconsin are experiencing flooding on Sunday. The Department of Public Works (DPW) of the City of Milwaukee stated that it is still evaluating flood-related damage and responding to affected locations throughout the city in the wake of last night's intense rain. Wisconsin flooding: Floodwater runs onto the railway tracks, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, U.S., August 10, 2025, in this screengrab taken from a social media video.(Pam Sweetman via REUTERS) Personnel have been out operating nonstop, concentrating on providing services and removing surface water since the floods started. The DPW is urging people to stay away from flooding areas and is requesting patience. It has suggested to report any flooding of the streets, water backing up into basements, fallen trees or limbs, and stranded or stalled cars. Also Read: Wisconsin State Fair flooding: Flash floods in Milwaukee break records as airport affected amid power outages Milwaukee declares state of emergency David Crowley, the Executive of Milwaukee County, has proclaimed a state of emergency. In Milwaukee County, flooding currently remains an active emergency, and additional rain is predicted for today, as per Crowley. He has advised the residents to avoid traveling, exercise caution, and stay informed. 'Check in on your neighbors and loved ones, especially older adults, and seek out emergency assistance if needed. I am thankful to our first responders, law enforcement partners, social services workers, and neighbors who are lending a helping hand during a challenging time. We will get through this together, Milwaukee.' The declaration will facilitate the deployment of additional resources, the activation of federal and state partners to support the ground-level activities, and the swift support to people. Milwaukee evaluates damage caused by floods In Milwaukee County, people have been asked to contact 211 to report property damage, including flooded basements, collapsed walls, or lightning-related mishaps. The Department of Public Works (DPW) of the City of Milwaukee is still evaluating the damage triggered by flooding and responding to affected areas throughout the city. Crews have been out and working nonstop, concentrating on removing surface water since the start of the floods. The Waterloo Fire Department stated that emergency personnel were called to Two Rivers State Park in response to reports of an injury on Saturday. According to officials, a man and woman were trapped inside the car after a big cottonwood tree fell on them. 2 dead amid Milwaukee floods At the scene, the woman was pronounced dead, while the man was pinned in the car. In a Facebook post, officials stated that the size and weight of the cottonwood tree made the extraction operation difficult and complicated. 'Emergency responders worked diligently for approximately 90 minutes to free the male patient from the wreckage.' Following the tragedy, he was brought to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. The following counties are under an areal flood warning until 10 a.m. on Monday. Dodge Jefferson Milwaukee Ozaukee Racine Washington Waukesha The following counties have river flood warnings in effect: The Root River at Franklin in Milwaukee Milwaukee River close to Cedarburg in Ozaukee Fox River Lower is located in Waukesha.


News18
13 hours ago
- News18
Midwest Storm Disaster: Record Floods Paralyse Communities Wisconsin State US Floods 2025
Severe storms have unleashed devastating floods across the Midwest, leaving thousands without power and forcing the cancellation of major events, including the Wisconsin State Fair. The National Weather Service reports up to 14 inches of rain in parts of Milwaukee, causing flash floods, road closures, and widespread damage. Nearly 18,000 homes in southeast Wisconsin are without electricity, and emergency services have responded to over 600 calls for rescues, flooded basements, and gas scenes show motorists abandoning vehicles on submerged roads as floodwaters rise rapidly. Communities are now battling both infrastructure breakdowns and hazardous conditions, with local authorities urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travel. News18 Mobile App -