Madison, Wis. – A tornado watch has been issued for much of Wisconsin until 10 p.m. Thursday, with severe storms threatening major population centers including Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 253 covers 43 counties across southern, central, and eastern Wisconsin. The primary threats include tornadoes, damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, and large hail. Cities at risk span from Kenosha and Racine along Lake Michigan to inland areas such as Rock, Dane, and Marathon counties.
Emergency officials advise residents to remain alert and have multiple ways to receive warnings. “Now is the time to review your shelter plan and avoid unnecessary travel this evening,” the Wisconsin Emergency Management office stated.
Storms are expected to organize and intensify through the late afternoon and evening hours, especially along I-94 and I-43 corridors. Some supercells could quickly rotate, raising the potential for isolated tornadoes in both rural and urban areas.
The tornado watch remains active through 10 p.m., with additional warnings possible depending on storm development. Stay tuned to local alerts and be ready to take cover if sirens sound.
