Milwaukee braces itself for a possibly stormy weekend as locals still struggle to bounce back from recent flood damages. According to WISN, the National Weather Service predicts rainfalls that could extend from Saturday to early Tuesday. While these are not expected to be as intense as the last storms, concerns rise given the already saturated grounds across Wisconsin.
Residents, like the Hardwicks from Milwaukee, experienced the devastating loss of their home's basement, a space treasured for frequent family gatherings. "This is the Christmas house, the Thanksgiving house," they told WISN. Mayor Cavalier Johnson, alongside other officials, surveyed the wreckage on Friday, emphasizing his own personal connection to the impact—he acknowledged Hardwick is his uncle.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works reassured that Milwaukee's sewer system should cope with the incoming rain, but expressed concern about high winds paired with wet soil, possibly leading to downed trees. In a statement obtained by WISN, DPW's Jerrel Kruschke advised locals to "make sure those [catch basins] are clear." Over 1,000 homes have been evaluated since the last storm, but there are thousands more yet to be assessed, which only adds to the urgency of the situation.
Amid the repairs and recovery efforts, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley presses for preparedness, imploying residents to be informed and proactive to protect one's family, property, and the broader community. Utilizing tools like heavy-duty tarps, caulking, unplugging appliances, clearing gutters, and documenting repairs are actions advised by the county to mitigate further damages.
Residents struggling with the aftermath, like Troy Skwor, share their anxiety with CBS 58, as they face the prospect of more rainfall. "Even last night, I heard what I thought was rain, but wasn't rain, and immediately, I'm on edge," Skwor disclosed. The Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management, alongside Crowley, highlights the importance of safety and vigilance in the coming days, providing a list of preparative measures on their website; from ensuring the readiness of sump pumps to mapping emergency plans, they suggest a gamut of precautions to consider. With dedicated resources like the Milwaukee County's official flood resources page and the 2-1-1 helpline, the municipality is arming its citizens with the necessary information and aid to face another potential trial by water.
