Severe thunderstorms and torrential rainfall led to dangerous flash flooding across southeastern Wisconsin on Saturday, August 9, forcing the Wisconsin State Fair to close early and cancel a major concert, leaving vehicles submerged and thousands without power.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Milwaukee and Waukesha counties on Saturday evening, which remained in effect until the early hours of Sunday, August 10. With approximately four inches of rain inundating the region, conditions deteriorated rapidly. The Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis, which was scheduled to remain open until midnight, announced an early closure just before 9 p.m. for the safety of attendees and staff. In a statement on social media, fair officials urged patrons to “use caution as you make your way to the nearest exit as safely as possible and follow the directions of the Fair Park staff and police.”
Fairgoers faced chaotic scenes as they attempted to leave. Social media was flooded with images and videos of high water throughout the fairgrounds, particularly in the parking lots and the infield of the Milwaukee Mile, where numerous vehicles were trapped and submerged. Attendees were seen wading through knee-deep water to reach their cars. Prior to the closure, officials had advised people to take cover in permanent structures on the grounds, such as the Exposition Center and the Dairy Building.
A major highlight of the evening, a concert by the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, was canceled just before 8 p.m. due to the severe weather. The performance was set to begin at 7:30 p.m. on the Bank Five Nine Main Stage. In a separate announcement, the State Fair expressed regret, stating, “While we tried everything within our control to allow this show to go on, for the safety of our artists, team, and Fairgoers, we cannot host this concert.” Officials confirmed the show will not be rescheduled. Ticketholders who purchased through the official provider, Etix, will receive automatic refunds within 7 to 14 days. Those who bought tickets with cash at the State Fair Ticket Office can obtain a refund in person with their original tickets and ID. However, tickets purchased from third-party vendors are not eligible for a refund through the fair.
The storm’s impact extended far beyond the fairgrounds. According to a report, over 18,000 We Energies customers in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties were left without electricity. Major roadways, including Highway 175 near American Family Field and an on-ramp to I-43, were rendered impassable by the floodwaters. The deluge also affected other local events; rain was seen leaking through the roof at American Family Field during the Milwaukee Brewers game, and some flights were delayed at Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport, as reported by CBS 58. The Root River was also reported to have overflowed its banks, exacerbating flooding in nearby streets.
Emergency services worked through the night to manage the crisis, and authorities continued to advise residents to avoid travel and not attempt to drive through flooded roads. The last day of the fair was scheduled to proceed on Sunday, August 10, weather permitting.
