Wauwatosa, WI — A weekend of relentless heavy rain turned parts of Wauwatosa into waterways as the Menomonee River overflowed, flooding streets, homes, and cars. Officials said the city received more than 500 calls for flooding and storm-related damage on Sunday, August 10.
River Overflows, Streets Turn into Waterways
Floodwater ripped through neighborhoods as historic rainfall left much of the community submerged. Residents described scenes of shock and chaos as water rose quickly.
“Total shock – you don’t really know what to think,” said Karly Truss, whose basement was destroyed. “At first you are just kind of like, ‘What do we do?’” (source: Fox6 News)
Her husband, Eric Truss, said he woke up around 6 a.m. to find water surrounding their home along Menomonee River Parkway. Within minutes, first responders arrived by boat to rescue neighbors, including a family and their two dogs.
“Police car rolled up with a boat, and went down that way,” Eric Truss recalled. “Got a full family, a couple dogs, brought them over to our neighbor’s yard.”
Emergency Response and Widespread Damage
Between the start of the flooding and late Sunday afternoon, Wauwatosa’s dispatch center was inundated with over 500 calls. Most reports involved:
- Flooded basements and property damage
- Blocked storm drains
- Traffic hazards due to standing water
Drone footage showed multiple vehicles completely submerged, underscoring the severity of the flooding.
Local Residents Describe the Impact
“When you get something like 10–14 inches of rain, it just can’t handle it,” said Glenn Hanson, a lifelong Wauwatosa resident.
The Wauwatosa Police Department confirmed no serious injuries have been reported so far, but officials warned that property damage is extensive.
“Total devastation, like our entire basement is gone,” Karly Truss said. “Everything down there is gone.”
City Still in Emergency Phase
Although water levels have started to recede, several roads and intersections remain closed. Authorities say they are still in the emergency response phase and urge residents to remain cautious.
Key safety reminders for residents include:
- Avoid flooded roadways and do not attempt to drive through standing water.
- Check on neighbors and family members, especially those in flood-prone areas.
“Be there for your family members and your loved ones,” Karly Truss said. “Everyone knows somebody who has been hit by this.”
What are your thoughts on Wauwatosa’s flooding and recovery efforts? Share your views in the comments.
