Latest news with #USATriathlon
India Today
a day ago
- Climate
- India Today
Wisconsin State Fair cancelled amid severe flooding and power failures
Flash flooding forced organisers to cancel the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday after relentless heavy rain inundated the fairgrounds in West Allis, just outside decision came as water levels rose, making the grounds unsafe for visitors and staff. Officials expressed regret but stressed that public safety had to come first."We are saddened we cannot deliver this final day of the Wisconsin State Fair, but know that this is the best decision with current conditions and the forecast ahead," organisers said in a OUTAGES FORCE EMERGENCY CLOSURE Severe storms swept across parts of the Midwest, causing widespread power outages that left nearly 18,000 households in southeast Wisconsin without 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 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
a day ago
- Climate
Flooding cancels last day of Wisconsin State Fair, water rescues in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE -- Flash flooding canceled the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday as continued heavy rainfall in half a dozen Midwest states led to water rescues, power outages and road closures. Organizers of the Wisconsin State Fair said they were canceling the final day of the 11-day event after rains flooded the fairgrounds in West Allis, which is just outside Milwaukee. 'We are saddened we cannot deliver this final day of the Wisconsin State Fair, but know that this is the best decision with current conditions and the forecast ahead,' organizers said in a statement. The National Weather Service issued flood watches and warnings for parts of Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin. After rainfall began on Saturday in some areas forecasters predicted 'repeated rounds of heavy rain,' along with hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes on Sunday. Among the worst hit was the Milwaukee area, where as many as 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain had fallen in some areas by early Sunday. Nearly 47,000 customers of We Energies lost power in southeast Wisconsin. USA Triathlon also canceled its Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee, where thousands of athletes were expected to participate. Firefighters responded to over 600 calls including for gas leaks, electrical outages and water rescues, according to the Milwaukee Fire Department. Meanwhile, city crews worked overnight to clear surface water. 'Please continue to avoid flooded areas and do not walk or drive through standing water," the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works pleaded in a statement. "It remains dangerous.' On Saturday, strong winds led to the death of one person in eastern Nebraska after a tree fell on a woman's car. In the state capital of Lincoln, the storms damaged two housing units at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, displacing 387 prisoners, the state Department of Correctional Services said. The agency said all staff and incarcerated individuals were safe and accounted for.
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Climate
- Chicago Tribune
Flooding cancels last day of Wisconsin State Fair as authorities make water rescues in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE — Flash flooding canceled the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday as continued heavy rainfall in half a dozen Midwest states led to water rescues, power outages and road closures. Organizers of the Wisconsin State Fair said they were canceling the final day of the 11-day event after rains flooded the fairgrounds in West Allis, which is just outside Milwaukee. 'We are saddened we cannot deliver this final day of the Wisconsin State Fair, but know that this is the best decision with current conditions and the forecast ahead,' organizers said in a statement. The National Weather Service issued flood watches and warnings for parts of Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin. After rainfall began on Saturday in some areas forecasters predicted 'repeated rounds of heavy rain,' along with hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes on Sunday. Among the worst hit was the Milwaukee area, where as many as 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain had fallen in some areas by early Sunday. Nearly 47,000 customers of We Energies lost power in southeast Wisconsin. USA Triathlon also canceled its Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee, where thousands of athletes were expected to participate. Firefighters responded to over 600 calls including for gas leaks, electrical outages and water rescues, according to the Milwaukee Fire Department. Meanwhile, city crews worked overnight to clear surface water. 'Please continue to avoid flooded areas and do not walk or drive through standing water,' the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works pleaded in a statement. 'It remains dangerous.' On Saturday, strong winds led to the death of one person in eastern Nebraska after a tree fell on a woman's car. In the state capital of Lincoln, the storms damaged two housing units at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, displacing 387 prisoners, the state Department of Correctional Services said. The agency said all staff and incarcerated individuals were safe and accounted for.
NBC News
2 days ago
- Climate
- NBC News
Flash flooding slams Midwest forcing Wisconsin State Fair to cancel events
A severe flash flooding event has taken direct aim at parts of the Midwest this weekend, forcing the Wisconsin State Fair to cancel many of its events. The flooding has directly impacted southern Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee metropolitan area. On Saturday evening, 24 preliminary storm reports came in for the Upper Midwest, including 80 to 90 mph wind gusts in the Omaha area. Wisconsin State Fair Park, where the state's fair is held, was forced to close early on Saturday due to flooding. The state fair announced on Sunday that it will not reopen for the day's events. "We understand the disappointment you may feel as our team works all year for these 11 days," the statement, posted to Facebook, read. "However, the safety of our Fairgoers, team, partners, and vendors will always be our top priority." An additional round of thunderstorms is expected to impact the Midwest again starting Sunday morning, including parts of Nebraska and Iowa, bringing the risk of damaging wind and hail. Flash flooding is also a concern throughout this region, with 8 million under Flood Alerts from Kansas to Wisconsin. These alerts will remain in effect into Monday as 1 to 6 inches of rain will be possible. As of Sunday morning, the Milwaukee River is reaching major flood stage level, which means a surge of at least 9 feet, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Rainfall was moving toward the west-northwest Milwaukee metropolitan area on Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service field office in the city. "It will take little rain to get more flash flooding in this area, making this a dangerous situation across west-northwest MKE metro," the weather service said. "Turn around don't drown!" The USA Triathlon announced that the sprint and paratriathlon nationals scheduled to be held on Sunday have been canceled due to "the combination of potential water conditions, flooding and course damage throughout the course, limited emergency response teams to support the event, as well as impending weather for Sunday." "We know how much time, training, and anticipation you've invested in this event, and we share your disappointment," USA Triathlon said in a statement. "This was not the outcome any of us wanted. We will follow up soon with more details about next steps, including deferral and credit options." Video posted to social media showed flooding in the Milwaukee suburb of Wauwatosa on Saturday. Another video showed cars trapped in deep flood waters at the Wisconsin State Fair. Fire departments in Waukesha County, which includes parts of Milwaukee, were conducting rescues of people trapped in floodwaters on Sunday.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Milwaukee hosts national triathlon championship, boosting local economy
Thousands of athletes and spectators gathered in Milwaukee for the USA Triathlon National Championships, generating a significant economic impact for the city.
