• Over 900 flights delayed and 21 canceled at Denver Airport due to severe Midwest storms.
• Nearly 14 million people remain under flood warnings, with heavy rain, hail, and strong winds expected to continue.
• Wisconsin faces widespread flooding, power outages, event cancellations, and a state of emergency declaration.

As the Midwest continues to grapple with unrelenting storms, more than 900 flights faced delays Sunday. Meanwhile, nearly 14 million people remained under flood warnings. Torrential rains, powerful winds, and hailstorms swept through a vast stretch of the region. This left a trail of disruption and distress in their wake.

Denver International Airport became a major hub of chaos, where over 900 flights were delayed. Additionally, 21 were outright canceled. Southwest Airlines alone accounted for 339 of these delays. United Airlines followed behind at 244, and SkyWest at 157, according to data from Flight Aware. Travelers hoping to fly out or arrive found themselves stuck, waiting in uncertainty as weather conditions refused to ease.

Storms to Continue Pounding from Kansas to Wisconsin

Meteorologists have issued dire warnings for residents across a wide swath of the Midwest — stretching from Kansas all the way up to Wisconsin. They caution that repeated rounds of heavy rain will pound the region overnight. This will be accompanied by hail, damaging winds, and even isolated tornadoes. This grim forecast follows a brutal Saturday, when at least 24 severe storms struck the Upper Midwest.

In Omaha, Nebraska, gusts reached terrifying speeds of 80 to 90 miles per hour, tearing through neighborhoods and toppling trees. Meanwhile, Milwaukee, Wisconsin recorded up to a foot of rain, triggering widespread flooding. The severity of the situation was captured in raw, heartbreaking videos circulating on social media.

Heartbreaking Scenes of Flooding in Wisconsin

One such video from Wauwatosa, a suburb of Milwaukee, showed floodwaters swelling. They reached such an extent that a bridge over the Menomonee River was submerged under surging waters. Debris cluttered the roadway, transforming streets into perilous torrents. Another clip showed a man stranded atop the hood of a car as the floodwaters rushed past him. This was a stark reminder of how quickly these floods can trap and endanger residents.

Many living near the Menomonee River found themselves trapped in their homes in the early hours of Sunday. They were unable to escape the rising waters that engulfed streets and basements. Elsewhere, desperate Wisconsinites were seen fleeing the State Fair. Their umbrellas and rain hoods were futile against four-inch-deep puddles swelling into torrents.

Firefighters in Milwaukee reported an overwhelming number of emergency calls. They responded to over 600 incidents involving gas leaks, flooded basements, electrical outages, and water rescues. Fire Chief Aaron Lipski told reporters, “We’re still in the middle of it. We’re still catching up right now.” His words underscored the sheer scale of the crisis.

Power Outages and Event Cancellations Amplify Impact

As of Sunday evening, nearly 31,700 residents in Wisconsin were without power. The outages added another layer of hardship, leaving many in darkness amid the storms.

The flooding forced the cancellation of the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair. Organizers had already scrapped Saturday night’s headline concert by Lynyrd Skynyrd before deciding to cancel Sunday’s festivities entirely. Video footage showed vehicles trapped in floodwaters within the fairgrounds, a vivid picture of the havoc wreaked by nature.

Fair officials expressed their regret in a heartfelt statement, acknowledging the disappointment but emphasizing safety above all else. They stated, “We are saddened we cannot deliver this final day of the Wisconsin State Fair,” they said. “But we know that this is the best decision with current conditions and the forecast ahead.”

They assured ticket holders for Sunday that refunds or exchanges for next year’s fair would be available. Meanwhile, USA Triathlon canceled its Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships, which were scheduled for Sunday in Milwaukee. These events were expected to draw thousands of participants.

Sports Continue Amid Storm Warnings

Despite the flooding and cancellations, the Milwaukee Brewers planned to go ahead with their Sunday game against the New York Mets at American Family Field. However, the team warned fans that parking areas were largely inaccessible, making it difficult for attendees to find spaces. They stated, “We will not be able to guarantee parking for all fans, even those who purchased parking in advance,” as additional thunderstorms swept across Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

Flood Warnings and State of Emergency Declarations

The National Weather Service extended flood warnings through Monday for areas from Kansas through Wisconsin. They predicted another one to six inches of rain overnight, adding urgency to an already dire situation.

In response, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley declared a state of emergency. He emphasized the safety of residents as the highest priority. “We’re going to need, possibly, some federal assistance,” Crowley said during a Sunday briefing. He revealed that Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers would follow suit with a state emergency declaration to help secure federal aid.

Despite the grim outlook, Crowley urged calm and community spirit. “We want folks to know that we’re all in this together,” he stressed. “Be safe of any hazards that may be out there, whether that’s in your house, in your basement, or out in the streets. You know that we have to look out for one another.”

Officials Warn Against Risks of Floodwaters

Milwaukee city officials issued stern warnings against driving or walking through standing water. The Department of Public Works labeled these flooded areas as dangerous. They highlighted the risks of hidden debris, swift currents, and unseen drop-offs beneath murky water.

The National Weather Service echoed this concern, urging anyone caught in flash floods to remember the critical advice: “Turn around, don’t drown.” They pointed out that most flood-related deaths happen in vehicles, underscoring the deadly consequences of underestimating floodwaters.

A Community on Edge, Facing Uncertain Days Ahead

With relentless storms threatening to bring even more rain and flooding, the Midwest faces a tense wait. Communities battered by wind, rain, and rising waters are struggling to recover even as the weather refuses to relent.

Residents share a mix of frustration, fear, and resolve. Social media posts reveal people helping one another, offering shelter, and checking on neighbors. This embodies a spirit of unity amid disaster. Yet, the economic and emotional toll grows heavier by the hour. Canceled events, flooded homes, and power outages create lasting scars.

The coming days will test the resilience of the region as officials, emergency responders, and citizens brace for whatever the skies may bring next. For now, the message is clear: stay safe, heed warnings, and support each other through this relentless storm.