Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management are urging residents to prepare for potential rainstorms expected on Friday, April 17. The National Weather Service has forecasted another stormfront for southeast Wisconsin, raising concerns about further flooding in areas already affected by recent severe weather.
This warning comes as many community members continue to recover from earlier flooding this week. Crowley said, “More rain and potential thunderstorms are expected in southeast Wisconsin. We know many Milwaukee County residents are still dealing with the aftermath of the recent flooding, which is why we need to be informed and prepared so everyone stays safe.” He added, “I am urging the public to stay vigilant, be informed, and take proactive steps now to protect your family, your property, and our community. Let’s stick together, watch out for one another, and stay safe.”
County officials are currently assessing flood-related damage throughout Milwaukee County. They expect these efforts will continue into the weekend and next week due to additional storms that may arrive on Friday. Residents who have experienced flooding are encouraged to report all damage by calling 2-1-1 or using online resources such as milwaukee.gov/Click4Action.
As part of ongoing efforts to inform the public about local conditions, real-time updates regarding system capacity and rainfall data can be accessed through the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD). The county has also shared guidance on preparing homes before storms hit: checking sump pumps; covering damaged openings with plastic sheeting or tarps; sealing basement cracks; unplugging appliances in at-risk areas; clearing gutters and drains; moving valuables off floors; drying wet areas quickly; charging electronic devices; gathering emergency supplies; making household plans including pets; avoiding driving during heavy storms—especially through floodwater—and staying updated via official channels.
The county is home to over 950,000 people living in 19 communities. In education news related to Milwaukee County schools during the 2023-24 year: Oak Creek High School had the highest enrollment with 2,223 students followed by HAPA-Hmong American Peace Academy K3-12 (1,894) and Franklin High School (1,606), according to the Department of Public Instruction. Of all students enrolled that year—116,758 total—33% were Black (38,530), while white students made up 29% (33,860) as reported by the Department of Public Instruction. Hispanic students represented approximately a quarter at 24.5% (28,606), also noted by the Department of Public Instruction.
Other demographic groups included multiracial students at 5.5%, making them among the least represented ethnicities within county schools (source). Pacific Islander students were identified as having the lowest representation at just 0.1%, according to the Department of Public Instruction.
Crowley’s office continues outreach through multiple platforms including social media updates so residents can stay informed about weather developments or recovery assistance opportunities.
