Green Bay, Wisconsin – Drivers across eastern Wisconsin could encounter rapidly changing weather conditions Friday afternoon and evening as thunderstorms capable of 60 mph wind gusts and small hail develop near major roadways including I-43, US 41, and US 151.
Warm air moving into the region ahead of an approaching storm system will help fuel thunderstorm development across central and eastern Wisconsin during the second half of the day.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms exists Friday afternoon through Friday night across parts of the region. While not every community will experience severe weather, a few storms could become strong enough to produce gusty winds, small hail, and locally heavy rainfall.
Cities including Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh, and Fond du Lac could see storms develop or move through during the late afternoon or evening hours. Drivers traveling along US 41 between Appleton and Oshkosh or I-43 near Green Bay and Manitowoc may encounter sudden downpours, lightning, and gusty winds that could briefly reduce visibility.
Storms may initially develop during the afternoon across central Wisconsin before shifting east into the Fox Valley and lakeshore communities Friday evening and overnight.
Heavy rainfall in stronger storms could also produce brief standing water on roads, particularly in low-lying areas or locations with poor drainage.
Forecasters note there is still some uncertainty regarding the exact timing and coverage of the strongest storms, though the best chance for more organized storms appears to occur during the Friday evening and overnight hours.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather updates and ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather alerts as conditions develop Friday.
