Waukesha County state of emergency declared over flooding
Fox River in Waukesha flooded, rising
There is concern in Waukesha as the Fox River rises to near-record levels.
WAUKESHA, Wis. - Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow has declared a state of emergency – and the Fox River in Waukesha is nearing record levels.
State of emergency declared
What we know:
The federal government's National Water Prediction Service estimates the Fox River at Waukesha was expected to peak around 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, hitting 8.8 feet. The record was set in 2008, 17 years ago. At that time, the river crested at 8.85 feet. The other time it topped 8 feet was in 1960, according to federal data.
Fox River flooding, Waukesha
People are flocking to see the raging river, which now surges above benches and walkways along the river banks.
"I’ve never seen it like this before. At one point in 2010 or 2008, it breached the bridge," said David Martin, who lives in Waukesha. "This is unreal."
The city placed heavy dump trucks loaded with gravel and metal on the Barstow St. bridge to prevent it from shifting or lifting. The high waters were getting close to the bridge's support structure, although it hadn't yet breached the roadway, which was closed to cars, but open to pedestrians looking to see the near-record levels.
What they're saying:
Other areas in Waukesha County also experienced flooded parks, yards, and basements.
In Elm Grove Park, FOX6 News met two kids, a brother and sister, documenting this historic flood with their cameras.
"It’s like crazy, because it’s once in a lifetime," said Addy.
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"It’s just been crazy, like all together. Seeing all this water coming through that normally would be a place where you would go eat lunch, now seeing it as a raging river," said Ben.
Fox River flooding, Waukesha
"And there’s ducks swimming in it. That’s crazy," added Addy.
Menomonee Falls sinkhole
What we know:
In Menomonee Falls, a crew was spotted pulling a car out of a massive sinkhole.
The once-raging waters this weekend washed away the road in an industrial area on Campbell Drive, leaving just a cliff. In the crater, the car had been trapped. The driver was fine. Inside the sinkhole, drainage pipes seemed to be tossed around like Lincoln Logs.
On Lilly Road near Good Hope Road, also in Menomonee Falls, another drainage culvert met its match. The road collapsed.
Waukesha County roadway collapses amid serious flooding
Heavy rainfall caused some roadways to be undercut and collapse. That was the case in Waukesha County.
What they're saying:
Caroline Zimmer has lived next door to the second sinkhole and has driven over that road for 20 years.
"It was kind of unbelievable, but I understand how it could probably happen because of the strength of the water, which does make you appreciate the strength of water," Zimmer said.
Help from businesses
What we know:
To help anyone in need, one business owner is offering free meals.
The owner of Gyro House in Waukesha was giving away free meals on Monday until 8 p.m. The owner, Andreas Protopapas, was also giving away free meals at his other restaurant, Vino Cappucino in Brookfield.
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"Because of the emergency. Something happened and we have to help each other. It’s very simple. If something like that happens, God’s act, then we have to stick together and help each other. Out of our hearts," Protopapas said.
"How much is this going to cost you?" asked FOX6's Jason Calvi.
"That’s irrelevant. Money don’t count when you do something nice," Protopapas answered. "I like to see the smile. My pay is the smile when they come."
The Source: The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News.