Almost two months-worth of rain lashed the region in matter of hours with more on the way

THE Wisconsin State Fair was hit by flash floods causing fairgoers to wade through water to escape.

Officials brought festivities to an early end on Saturday night after the region was lashed by up to nine inches of rain in a matter of hours, causing rivers to burst their banks.

The National Weather Service had issued numerous threat-to-life flood warnings for a number of areas in the southeast of the state, including Milwaukee where the fair is held.

Warnings came after the weather system rolled in from the west where 80mph winds hit Nebraska leaving one dead and another injured.

Footage coming from the fair shows attendees forced to wade through the flood waters, which was almost waist-high in places, in order to escape.

Meanwhile, many returned to their vehicles to find flood waters submerging the doors.

Other locals reported seeing cars “floating around town” while thousands were left without power.

People wading through floodwaters at the Wisconsin State Fair.
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Attendees at the Wisconsin State Fair were forced to wade through flood waters after the even was canceledCredit: x/ZT_Followers

Cars driving through flooded street at night.
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Other residents reported seeing cars floating down the streetsCredit: x/ZT_Followers

Flooded river in Wisconsin.
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Much of the state was lashed by several inches of rain in just a matter of hoursCredit: Troy Vosseller via Storyful
“We were there. Totally soaked and grossed out by the stand water we had to wade through to get out,” one fairgoer said on Facebook.

“Wisconsin is flooding ..people are stuck at state fair and cars are floating all around town,” another said.

“After last night’s flash flooding resulted in the early closure of State Fair Park, Wisconsin State Fair officials have determined the Fair Park will not reopen for Sunday, August 10,” officials said on Facebook.

“We understand the disappointment you may feel, as our team works all year for these 11 days.

“However, the safety of our fairgoers, team, partners and vendors will always be our top priority.”

The fair closure also canceled the highly anticipated concert of rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd which was the music headline that evening.

“While we tried everything within our control to allow this show to go on, for the safety of our artists, team, and Fairgoers, we cannot host this concert,” officials said, adding that refunds will be issued.

A staggering 6.69 inches of rain hit the region overnight with more rural areas estimated to have seen over 10 inches fall in a matter of hours.

“This is some unprecedented flooding that we have seen across the Milwaukee area, radar estimating over 10 inches in a handful of communities and that’s in a fairly short period of time,” Milwaukee Meteorologist Stephanie Barichello told Fox 6 News.

First responders rescue flood victims and their pets in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
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First responders rescue people from flooding in their home in Wauwatosa, WisconsinCredit: Getty

Flooded basement with furniture submerged in water.
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Darice Ivory of West Glendale shared photos and videos of flooding inside her home after Saturday’s flash floodingCredit: Darice Ivory / Facebook

A man carrying his dog is rescued from floodwaters by firefighters.
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Phone calls to 911 had the system backed up with officials begging callers not to hang upCredit: Getty

Milwaukee itself saw the equivalent of a month and a half’s worth rainfall on Saturday night alone.

Roads were shut and 911 calls were backed up as people struggled in their cars and had water enter their homes.

“Everything is flooded,” Alderman Peter Burgelis wrote on Facebook as he begged those on the phone with 911 to “not hang up” with calls being answered “in order received”.

A woman in Wauwatosa, one of the worst places hit, has been trapped on top of her car screaming for help since 2:30 am on Sunday, TMJ4 News reported.

Rescuers are currently working to free her.

More rainfall is expected with Milwaukee at a level 2 out of 4 risk for excessive rain on Sunday with more floods possible.

Up to three more additional inches of rain could hit the region with more expected on Monday.

Flooded area with construction equipment.
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Several flood alerts warning of a risk to life had been issued over the weekendCredit: Troy Vosseller via Storyful

Flooded walkway in Wisconsin.
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More rain is expected to fall throughout SundayCredit: Troy Vosseller via Storyful

Wisconsin State Fair Park entrance sign.
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The Wisconsin State Fair said the safety of it’s staff and attendees was of the utmost importance (stock)Credit: Getty

Debris piled up against a riverbank after a flood.
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Debris piles up on a bridge piling on the Milwaukee River after heavy rain on SaturdayCredit: Getty