Hundreds of flights delayed and millions of Americans remain under flood alerts as torrential rain pounds Midwest

Millions of Americans faced major travel disruptions and flood alerts as powerful storms swept through the Midwest Sunday night, delaying hundreds of flights and causing widespread damage.

At Denver International Airport alone, more than 900 flights were delayed and 21 canceled due to the extreme weather, according to FlightAware. Airlines hit hardest included Southwest with 339 delays, United with 244, and SkyWest with 157.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued flood watches and warnings across Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Officials warned that ongoing “repeated rounds of heavy rain,” beginning Saturday, could continue into Monday, accompanied by hail, strong winds, and isolated tornadoes.

Over the weekend, at least 24 severe storms pummeled the Upper Midwest. Omaha, Nebraska, was battered by winds reaching 90 mph, while Milwaukee received up to 14 inches of rain, according to NBC News. Flash flooding and river overflows have created hazardous conditions, with Milwaukee’s flood watch in effect until 7 a.m. Monday.

Milwaukee was among the worst-hit cities. The National Weather Service reported extensive river flooding, and the Milwaukee Fire Department responded to more than 600 emergency calls for gas leaks, water rescues, flooded basements, and power outages. Two emergency shelters were opened by the Red Cross for displaced residents.

“We’re still in the middle of it,” said Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski on Sunday. “We’re still catching up right now.”

As of Monday morning, nearly 14,000 Wisconsin residents remained without power, according to PowerOutage.us.

In a stark visual of the storm’s impact, the Milwaukee Brewers played the Mets at American Family Field while the stadium’s parking lot remained eerily empty and closed due to flooding. “We will not be able to guarantee parking for all fans,” the Brewers said in a statement.

City officials urged residents to avoid driving or walking through standing water, calling the situation “dangerous.”

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley declared a state of emergency Sunday and urged residents to remain cautious and limit travel. “Flooding is still an active emergency situation across Milwaukee County, and we are expecting more rain,” he said in a post on X. “Check on your neighbors and seek emergency assistance if needed.”

The Wisconsin State Fair also canceled its final day after flooding swamped the fairgrounds in West Allis. Roads were impassable, vehicles were abandoned, and thousands were left without electricity. Videos from the scene showed fairgoers wading through inches of floodwater as they tried to escape.