La Crosse, Wisconsin – Hail measuring 1 to 2 inches and wind gusts potentially reaching 60 to 70 mph could disrupt travel across western Wisconsin and nearby parts of Iowa and Minnesota between 1 and 8 p.m. Tuesday, with the severe storm risk increasing through the morning.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, storms are expected to develop along a west-to-east line early Tuesday afternoon, although the exact timing and coverage remain uncertain. The primary concern is 1- to 2-inch hail, with a 10% chance of hail reaching 2 to 3 inches if atmospheric conditions align.
A Level 2 of 5 severe thunderstorm risk covers La Crosse, Viroqua and Prairie du Chien in Wisconsin, along with Decorah, Oelwein and other parts of northeast Iowa. Communities farther north, including Winona, Rochester and Black River Falls, are generally under a Level 1 risk.
Travel on I-90, I-94 and other regional highways could become hazardous during stronger cells. Damaging winds cannot be ruled out, and heavy rainfall could produce localized urban flooding or ponding.
Residents should move vehicles into covered areas when possible, reconsider outdoor plans and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Anyone caught outside as a severe thunderstorm approaches should move indoors and away from windows.
The main threat continues through 8 p.m. Tuesday. Additional warnings could be issued quickly as individual storms strengthen.
