WEST ALLIS, Wis. — Multiple streets in a Milwaukee suburb were closed down Monday due to flooding.

West Allis police asked people to avoid W. Cleveland Ave. from the 11200 to 11700 blocks, as well as Root River Pkwy., from W. Oklahoma Ave. to W. Cleveland Ave.

Several cars were even partially underwater, becoming stuck for most of the day. This was especially along Root River Pkwy., as the river overflowed during hours of precipitation.

In the past, Hunter Theme, who lives near the flood zone, has been able to help his neighbors in trouble, using his Ram to pull cars out of water.

“Only a couple inches can stop a car. The water goes up and right into the air-box. Gotta be careful,” he said.

Today, he opted to leave it to the pros. At least one car had to be towed around noon.

While living near water lends itself to flooding, that hasn’t changed Theme’s support and sympathy for his neighbors trying to stay dry and damage-free.

“I just feel bad for the people right here [and] what happens in their basements,” he said.

West Allis residents said while flooding isn’t uncommon, the amount and intensity of Monday’s flood seemed severe in comparison.

“This is unusual to see this much flooding, [but we could have gotten so much] because probably the snow and the rain this time,” said Erik Oberhofer, a resident of West Allis.

The heavy rain combined with the melting snow to create a mess for anyone looking to travel through the neighborhood.

“It is pretty crazy — that you can’t see any difference between the street and the grass is insane,” said Melanie Pipito, a neighbor who stopped by to look at the flooding.

Some West Allis residents said they feel frustrated by the recurring flooding problems and called on local leaders to take action. Some residents said clearing debris and trees from the river would help.

“We hope the rain stops. This happens every year — people get really scared. They picked one guy up with a boat two years ago,” Dan Belongi said. “It was about three feet high and he was scared. All they gotta do is remove the trees to clear the waterway and we would have no more problems.” 

And those who work in West Allis struggled to get to their destination. Some city service vehicles couldn’t get through, and a neighborhood mailman said he got as far into his route as he could, but wasn’t able to make it to every house. Some West Allis residents are just going to have to wait to get their letters until tomorrow.

Other parts of the Milwaukee area had minor flooding on Monday, including Menomonee River Pkwy. in Wauwatosa, where a fast moving river made for plenty of standing water. Only a little spilled onto roads.