Green Bay, Wisconsin – Residents across northeast Wisconsin should prepare for potentially dangerous thunderstorms later today, with the strongest storms capable of producing wind gusts of 70 mph or greater, hail up to 2 inches in diameter, and an isolated tornado before activity continues into the overnight hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay and the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, much of central and north-central Wisconsin is under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe thunderstorms, while areas farther east, including Green Bay and Door County, remain under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5). Initial storms are expected to develop over northern Wisconsin during the mid to late afternoon before moving southeast and potentially organizing into a line of severe thunderstorms between 6 p.m. Sunday and 2 a.m. Monday.
Communities including Wausau, Merrill, Antigo, Rhinelander, Shawano, Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh and surrounding areas could experience the strongest storms. The primary threat is widespread damaging straight-line winds exceeding 70 mph, which could down trees, damage roofs and lead to scattered power outages. The strongest storms may also produce 2-inch hail, frequent lightning, torrential rainfall and a brief tornado.
Travel conditions could deteriorate rapidly on Interstates 39, 41 and 43, with sudden heavy rain and powerful wind gusts reducing visibility and creating hazardous driving conditions.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture and other loose items before storms develop and ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on their phones. Because storms may continue overnight, the National Weather Service urges everyone to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings that can wake them while sleeping.
Forecasters say confidence is moderate regarding storm coverage and intensity, and the exact timing could still change. Additional severe thunderstorm or tornado watches may be issued as storms begin to develop later today.
