La Crosse, Wisconsin – Brief funnel clouds could spin up across northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota through 4 p.m. Wednesday, prompting a delay in NOAA weather radio testing and raising concerns for isolated wind gusts.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, atmospheric conditions are ripe for the formation of weak funnel clouds—typically short-lived and non-destructive. Funnel clouds are expected to develop in southeast Minnesota, including Mower, Fillmore, and Houston counties, through 1 p.m., and across Iowa counties such as Winneshiek, Allamakee, Floyd, and Clayton from noon to 4 p.m.
Though these funnels are not tied to severe thunderstorms or tornadic activity, they can occasionally touch down briefly, producing wind gusts over 50 mph. Residents in areas including Osage, Cresco, Decorah, Charles City, and Elkader should remain alert. If a funnel is spotted, move indoors and report sightings to the National Weather Service.
The Wednesday NOAA Weather Radio test has been postponed to Thursday between 11 a.m. and noon due to the potential for public confusion during the weather event.
Conditions are expected to stabilize by this evening, but stay tuned to local alerts in case additional advisories are issued.
