Milwaukee, Wis. – Southern Wisconsin could face a significant severe weather outbreak Monday evening, with forecasters warning that thunderstorms may produce destructive wind gusts, giant hail and even strong tornadoes as they sweep across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, the greatest severe weather threat is expected between 5 p.m. and midnight Monday. Thunderstorms are forecast to develop across southwest and central Wisconsin between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. before moving southeast and impacting much of southern Wisconsin through the evening.
Forecasters warn that all severe weather hazards are possible, including damaging wind gusts exceeding 70 mph, hail larger than golf balls, tornadoes, and the potential for strong tornadoes rated EF2 or greater. Initial storms are expected to develop as supercells before potentially organizing into a squall line capable of producing widespread damaging winds.
Communities including Madison, Milwaukee, Janesville, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Fond du Lac, Portage and Wisconsin Dells should closely monitor forecast updates throughout Monday. Travel on Interstates 39, 41, 43, 90 and 94 could become hazardous as storms move from northwest to southeast during the evening commute and into the night.
Residents should finalize severe weather plans before storms develop, identify a sturdy shelter on the lowest floor of a well-built building and ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially after sunset. Outdoor events should have shelter plans ready well before storms arrive.
Forecast uncertainty remains regarding exactly where storms will first develop and how widespread they will become. However, confidence is increasing that any storms that do form could become intense quickly. Additional Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Tornado Watches are likely Monday afternoon as the atmosphere becomes increasingly favorable for dangerous severe weather.
