Dramatic Flooding Strands Cars, Closes Major Roads In Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE — Dramatic flooding stranded cars and forced freeway closures overnight in Milwaukee, according to authorities.

As of about 11 p.m., between 1.5 and 3 inches of rain had fallen across the area and up to another half-inch was possible, according to the National Weather Service.

“Numerous roads remain closed due to flooding,” according to a flood warning issued around 11 p.m. by the weather service.

“Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable. It will take several hours for all the water from these storms to work through local drainage systems in urban areas.”

Southbound Interstate 43 was closed at Becher Street as of about 9 p.m., according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office. Just under an hour later, the agency announced additional closures, including the Brewers Boulevard stadium interchange in both directions.

The sheriff’s office posted several images on social media of stranded vehicles partially submerged in water.

By around 11 p.m., some of the roads had begun to reopen, according to the agency.

The area was under a flash flood warning until 11 p.m., which was then replaced by a flood warning until 2 a.m., according to the weather service.

A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect until midnight and a flood watch was in place until 7 a.m., the service reported.