Severe Storms Cause Widespread Disruption Across the Midwest
This past Sunday night, millions of Americans experienced significant travel disruptions as powerful storms swept through the Midwest, leading to a flurry of flight cancellations and delays. Denver International Airport was particularly hard hit, with 21 flights canceled and over 900 affected due to the severe weather. Southwest Airlines reported 339 delays, United Airlines had 244, and SkyWest encountered 157.
The National Weather Service issued numerous flood watches across several states, including Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin. They warned that the storm, which began on Saturday, would bring “repeated rounds of heavy rain,” along with potential hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes continuing into Monday.
On Saturday alone, at least 24 storms ravaged the Upper Midwest. Omaha, Nebraska faced wind gusts between 80 and 90 miles per hour, while Milwaukee received nearly a foot of rain, according to reports.
As the weather emergency unfolded, Milwaukee was among the worst affected, with rainfall levels reaching up to 14 inches by Sunday. The local fire department dealt with over 600 emergency calls related to gas leaks, flooded basements, power outages, and water rescues. Additionally, the Red Cross opened shelters for displaced residents, while crews worked hard to drain surface water.
Fire Chief Aaron Lipski noted, “We’re still in the middle of it.” In Wisconsin as a whole, nearly 14,000 residents were left without power as of Monday morning.
Despite the severe weather, the Brewers and Mets managed to play at American Family Field, though the parking lot usually buzzing with fans was eerily quiet. The Brewers had to inform fans that parking could not be guaranteed, even for those who had made advance reservations.
Officials urged residents to avoid traveling in or walking through standing water, emphasizing the ongoing risks. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley declared a state of emergency, pointing out that flooding was a significant concern, with more rain expected. He stressed that the safety of residents was the top priority and encouraged people to check on neighbors, especially the elderly.
Organizers of the Wisconsin State Fair were also affected, canceling the final day of the event due to flooding at the fairgrounds in West Allis. The heavy rains forced the closure of several roadways, and many motorists had to abandon their vehicles.
Footage from the fair illustrated the chaos, showing vehicles inundated with water as Wisconsinites desperately attempted to escape the situation, wading through waterlogged areas. Governor Tony Evers is expected to declare a state of emergency to request possible federal assistance to aid those suffering from the aftermath of these storms.
In light of these events, it’s crucial for individuals and families in affected areas to stay informed and prepared. The dedication of first responders and community members lending support during this tumultuous time demonstrates the strength of American unity and resilience. While these storms have brought about significant challenges, the spirit of cooperation and neighborly support remains strong in these tight-knit communities.
As the Midwest grapples with the aftermath of this extreme weather, it serves as a reminder of the need for preparedness and community solidarity in times of crisis.
