Fairgoers wade through floodwaters at the Wisconsin State Fair as storms force an early closure and cancel evening events (Fox)
Severe weather in the area forced the gates of the Wisconsin State Fair to close early on Saturday, August 9th. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning at approximately 8:30 p.m. on that day, active until 2 a.m. on the following day for Milwaukee, West Allis and Wauwatosa. That was just a few hours after the issuance of a flood watch for most of southern Wisconsin.
Fair officials urged fairgoers to leave the premises carefully in an official post on Facebook, directing them to listen to the advice of fair personnel and police officers. They stated that Tunnel Entrance F was closed because of storm conditions, directing people to leave with either the Main Stage or Turn 4 exits to get to parking areas.
Social media were literally flooded with photos and videos of the aftermath. Footage of evidence showed cars floating partially while attendees waded through flooded paths to leave the grounds. One viral clip showed a man walking in knee-high water commenting, "This is the only way out."
Another showed a car almost underwater in a snowy area. “Major flooding at the Wisconsin State Fair,” they said.
Fox6 meteorologist Tom Wachs shared photos of children splashing in rainwater, added to which he said that over four inches had already fallen and urged his audience to be on the lookout.
The dangerous weather forced the cancellation of the anticipated Lynyrd Skynyrd concert, which was scheduled to take the stage at 7:30 p.m. on the Bank Five Nine Main Stage. Organizers stated that efforts were made to stall the event, but the safety concerns for artists, staff, and attendees made it untenable.
Refunds will be issued to purchasers through Exit within a 7–14-day timeframe. Refunds for fans who bought tickets at the fair's box office will be made available in person at the box office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays with ID and original tickets in hand.
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