Flood Threat Lingers Thursday As Severe Storms Eye Wisconsin Friday

MILWAUKEE, WI — Flooding that stranded drivers and shut down major Milwaukee freeways overnight is expected to ease Thursday, but more storms, including a potential round of severe weather, are already in the forecast.

Between about 1.5 and 3 inches of rain fell across the Milwaukee area Wednesday night, with some spots seeing as much as 4 inches across southeast Wisconsin. The heavy rain overwhelmed drainage systems, leaving cars stranded and forcing widespread road closures.

Subscribe

The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office reported full freeway closures, including southbound Interstate 43 at Becher Street and parts of the Brewers Boulevard stadium interchange in both directions.

By late Wednesday night, some roads had begun to reopen, but impacts lingered into Thursday morning, especially in low-lying and urban areas.

A flood warning remains in effect until 1 p.m. Thursday for Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Walworth and Jefferson counties, where numerous roads remain closed and standing water continues to cause problems.

Officials say it may take several more hours for water to fully drain, with slow-moving or pooled water still affecting the morning commute. Additional light rainfall is possible through midday.

Flooding is also impacting rivers across the region. Oak Creek in South Milwaukee is above flood stage, and minor river flooding is ongoing or expected along parts of the Root River and other waterways.

A broader flood watch remains in effect until 1 p.m. for much of southeast Wisconsin, with saturated ground increasing the risk for additional flooding.

Friday Weather Threats

Looking ahead, attention is already turning to Friday, when another round of strong to severe thunderstorms could impact Wisconsin.

Forecasters say storms could begin developing Friday afternoon, with the most active period expected between 6 and 11 p.m. Areas along and west-southwest of the Interstate 90 corridor face the highest risk, with a Level 3 out of 5 severe threat in place.

All hazards are possible, including large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. There is still uncertainty about how far east the strongest storms will reach, meaning the Milwaukee area could see anything from scattered storms to more significant severe weather.

Officials are urging residents to stay weather-aware heading into the weekend, especially with already saturated ground increasing the risk for additional flooding.

Here's the full NWS forecast from the Milwaukee Airport:

Today

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then a slight chance of showers between 10am and 11am. Patchy fog before noon. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 59. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tonight

Patchy fog after 9pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Friday

Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.

Friday Night

Showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 10pm and 1am, then showers likely after 1am. Low around 41. South wind around 10 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 50. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 33. West wind around 10 mph.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 32. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 53.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.

Tuesday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 60.