Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Damaging winds and dangerous lightning could slam parts of Wisconsin Wednesday afternoon as a cold front pushes east, triggering strong thunderstorms along the I-94 corridor and beyond.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, storms will begin developing across southwest Wisconsin between 2 and 4 p.m., peaking from 3 to 7 p.m. in central areas like Madison, and reaching Lake Michigan by 10 p.m. Damaging wind gusts (Level 2 of 5 severe risk), frequent lightning, and localized flash flooding north of I-94 are all possible.
Cities at higher risk include Madison, Waukesha, West Bend, and Milwaukee. The storm system is part of a broken line forming along the cold front, increasing the potential for scattered but intense cells. Storms are not expected to be widespread but could be fast-moving and dangerous where they hit.
Ahead of the front, heat and humidity will build, with high temperatures near 90°F in southern Wisconsin and heat indices reaching the mid-90s near the Illinois border. Slight chances for isolated showers may appear before the main storm activity.
Residents should secure outdoor items, stay weather-aware, and avoid travel during peak storm hours if possible. Updates will continue throughout the evening.
