Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov
WAUWATOSA — Gov. Tony Evers today, while touring storm damage in Wauwatosa, announced he is declaring a state of emergency as several Wisconsin communities continue to recover from flash flooding and storm damage due to severe storms over the weekend.
“The flooding seen across Wisconsin over the weekend is unprecedented, and as a state, we are committed to making sure communities have access to every available resource to help local folks and families in need and secure critical infrastructure,” said Gov. Evers. “We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated law enforcement, emergency response teams, and utility workers who have been working around the clock to uphold and restore critical services to impacted area residents in the wake of these events and stand ready to ensure this important work continues.”
Beginning on August 9, severe storms and record rainfall amounts caused flooding, structural damage, evacuations, and power outages throughout the state of Wisconsin. Additionally, the Wisconsin State Fair, which was set to occur from July 31 to August 10, was unexpectedly forced to end early on August 9 and cancel its final day due to flooding and the impacts of severe weather.
Currently, multiple fire services, law enforcement, public works, utilities, volunteer organizations, and other emergency response agencies have deployed to assist the public, and additional personnel and resources from multiple state agencies are needed to expedite the response and recovery operations in the affected areas. Gov. Evers’ declaration of a state of emergency will help ensure state agencies, local partners, utilities, and emergency management officials can continue working together and respond quickly to damage and effects caused by recent severe weather, as well as any anticipated severe weather.
In addition, Milwaukee County is encouraging community members to call 211 to report property damage, such as flooded basements, collapsed walls, or lightning-related incidents within Milwaukee County.
Wisconsin Emergency Management, a division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, has been working with counties to assess damage and determine resources needed to speed recovery efforts.
Executive Order #272 is available here.
