City of Wauwatosa in emergency response due to extreme flooding

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The City of Wauwatosa is experiencing significant impact due to the severe flooding from the heavy rainfall on Saturday, Aug. 9. 

Multiple neighborhoods have been impacted with flooded basements, blocked storm drains and traffic incidents since the flooding began. 

Several major intersections and roads are currently impassable and the Wauwatosa Police Department is asking everyone to avoid these areas. At this time barricades have been put into place. 

The Wauwatosa Police Department is asking the public to ONLY call 911 for life-threatening emergencies requiring an immediate response. 

"It's pretty intense, something I haven't seen in years," said Wauwatosa resident, Mac Kirksey. 

He remembers the 1997 floods in the area, and his son will remember this one, as he skips rocks into the water taking over Hart Park.

"In his eight years alive, it's his first time seeing something like this," Kirksey said.

PHOTO GALLERY:

Hart Park is closed to the public which includes the Rotary Stage, playground and trails until further notice. 

Flooding at Hart Park

CBS 58 talked to the Wauwatosa Parks Commissioner Kiara Caldwell who said the reason the park is so flooded is because it's designed to hold water as it is next to the Menomonee River.

"The fact that it's holding all of that water in is really important to keep it away from homes and other places where it could be a lot more vulnerable," Caldwell explained.

She is more concerned about the newly turfed football field, that is now completely underwater.

"That's a loss for the city," Caldwell said. "As things die down, we'll assess the damage."

The floodwaters reached the Hart Park playground, causing damage to the turf and equipment.

"I'm just blown away at the force and the magnitude of the water, and it's just devastating," said Zak Heimrl, who visited the playground with his daughter. "We come here all the time, and it's just - it's wrecked." 

In the Village of Wauwatosa, onlookers on West State street were stunned by the rushing river.

"Me and my friends like to hang out down the river and skip rocks and just talk, so it's kind of crazy to see that, you cant even see where I hang out," said Anya Czarny.

Several businesses in that area were closed Sunday until they can assess the damage and clean up, including Cafe Hollander and Vendetta Coffee Bar.

"I hope that they can rebuild and repair and dry out sooner than later, so that we can give them the support they need," Caldwell said.

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater released a statement on Facebook about the flooding at the new production facility in Wauwatosa, which they say is currently three feet underwater.

The full extent of the damage is unknown at this time, but the facility houses the Repertory's scenic and paint shops along with equipment, set and prop storage. 

There are no reports of serious injuries and currently no issues with water quality. Law enforcement is asking residents to limit usage if possible. 

A Red Cross shelter has been set up in Holler Park at 5151 S. 6th St. in Milwaukee for people affected by the flooding. 

Wauwatosa Police Department is also asking the public to not drive through standing water and to not remove barricades that have been placed to block unsafe areas.

They also ask to stay away from moving water as flooded areas are dangerous and divert rescue personnel from other critical needs. They said they've already had to remove numerous people from these areas. 

Updates on response and recovery efforts can be found here.