On Friday evening, April 17, 2026, Janesville, Wisconsin experienced severe flooding that escalated quickly with stormwater overflows across neighborhoods.

My brother and sister-in-law, Ben and Lindsey Schmidt, were at home when their area began to flood. A manhole cover was forced up due to stormwater overflow, which caused water to rapidly back up into the streets and surrounding properties.

As conditions worsened, they worked quickly to try to protect their home, including attempting to reinforce basement windows as water levels outside continued to rise. Despite their efforts, the situation changed within minutes. A vehicle driving through standing water created a wake that ultimately caused a basement window to break.

Once that occurred, water came into their home in seconds.

Their partially finished basement was overtaken extremely quickly, with water rising to near ceiling level. Both were home during the event and experienced it unfolding in real time—fast, overwhelming, and deeply distressing.

The damage is extensive, and their home is currently uninhabitable.

Critical systems located in the basement were damaged, including the electrical panel, furnace, water heater, and dehumidifier. In addition, there is significant water damage throughout the structure, loss of personal belongings, and substantial cleanup, removal, and restoration required before the home can be rebuilt to a livable condition.

They are now displaced and facing immediate and long-term needs, including temporary housing, essential living expenses, and the significant financial burden of recovery and repairs.

This was sudden, unexpected, and life-altering.

We are asking for support as they begin the long process of rebuilding. Any help—donations, sharing this message, or keeping them in your thoughts—is deeply appreciated.

Update 4/21/26

A small but important update—electricity has been restored at Ben and Lindsey Schmidt’s home.

Progress is being made, one step at a time. There is still a lot ahead, but moments like this matter.

Thank you to everyone who has supported them so far. It truly means more than words can express.