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. 

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.

Back in 2007, Hart Park expanded to become a levee system, which is meant to reduce flood risks to homes and roadways. 

The flooding from Saturday, however, was high enough to cause damage to the Hart Park playground. Turf and playground equipment were pulled up and concrete was broken. The football field is also underwater. 

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

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

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

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. 

Wauwatosa Police Department is also asking the public to not drive through standing water and to 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.