Upper Mississippi Valley – Darkening skies could quickly give way to explosive thunderstorms this afternoon as a powerful cold front pushes across the Upper Mississippi Valley. Residents from eastern Iowa into Wisconsin and parts of Michigan should prepare now for rapidly changing conditions capable of producing destructive weather before the evening commute.
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, scattered severe thunderstorms are expected to develop Monday afternoon and evening from Iowa into Wisconsin, with the greatest threat centered across portions of eastern Iowa, southern Minnesota, central and southern Wisconsin, and northern Illinois. The primary hazards include damaging wind gusts of 60 to 75 mph, hail larger than 2 inches in diameter, and a few strong tornadoes.
Cities including Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Madison, Milwaukee, La Crosse, Eau Claire, Rockford, and surrounding communities should stay weather aware throughout the afternoon. Storms may intensify rapidly along the advancing cold front, producing damaging straight-line winds capable of downing trees, power lines, and causing scattered power outages.
Motorists on Interstates 35, 80, 90, 94, and 39 should expect sudden reductions in visibility during heavy rain and be prepared for dangerous crosswinds and hail. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued, move indoors immediately and avoid unnecessary travel.
Farther east, portions of Michigan remain within a lower but noteworthy severe weather risk later Monday as storms continue eastward. While the highest tornado and giant hail threat is expected farther west, strong wind gusts and isolated severe storms remain possible.
Keep multiple ways to receive weather warnings this afternoon and evening, including Wireless Emergency Alerts and NOAA Weather Radio. Additional watches and warnings may be issued as storms develop and move across the region.
