La Crosse, Wisconsin – Drivers and residents across western Wisconsin could face rapidly developing severe storms by 7 p.m. tonight, with large hail posing the biggest immediate threat to vehicles and property.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm risk is in place from northeast Iowa into southwest Wisconsin, including La Crosse, Prairie du Chien, and surrounding communities. Storms are expected to develop this evening and track east through midnight.
The primary threat is large hail, potentially exceeding 1 inch in diameter, which can damage vehicles, roofs, and crops. Damaging wind gusts are a secondary concern, along with brief heavy rainfall that could reduce visibility on I-90 and nearby roadways.
Cities including Decorah, Dubuque, and Platteville also fall within the higher risk zone, while areas farther north like Eau Claire and Black River Falls face a lower but still present storm chance.
Residents are urged to move vehicles indoors, secure outdoor items, and ensure multiple ways to receive warnings, especially overnight when storms may intensify.
Storm activity is expected to weaken after midnight, but additional alerts could be issued if storm strength increases this evening.
