La Crosse, Wis. – Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected across western Wisconsin and parts of southeast Minnesota this afternoon and evening, with large hail and damaging winds posing the greatest threats.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, storms are expected to develop after 2 p.m. Monday and continue until around 10 p.m. A 2 out of 5 risk level has been assigned for the region, with scattered severe storms possible. The initial concern will be large hail, which may evolve into damaging wind gusts as storms move east through the evening.
Communities including La Crosse, Winona, Rochester, and Mason City should prepare for rapidly changing conditions, with the strongest activity expected in areas south of Interstate 90. Outdoor plans may be disrupted, and drivers could face reduced visibility in heavy downpours. While flash flooding is considered a secondary threat, localized street flooding is possible.
Residents are urged to monitor alerts, have multiple ways to receive warnings, and be prepared to take shelter quickly if storms strengthen. Weather officials stress that conditions should gradually weaken by late evening, but additional advisories could be issued if storms linger.
