Storms To Roll Through Wisconsin Bringing Tornado, Hail Risk

Powerful storms will roll through parts of Wisconsin Monday night and into the early morning hours, raising the risk of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and hail in some areas.

A tornado warning remains in effect until 8:15 p.m. for central Eau Claire County. A 8 p.m., a tornado-producing storm was located 5 miles north of Augusta or 19 miles east of Eau Claire. The storm was moving northeast at about 50 mph, NWS officials said.

A tornado watch has been declared for the following counties until 11 p.m.: Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Trempealeau, and Washburn.

Tornado watches have gone into effect for the following counties until 2 a.m. Tuesday: Adams, Clark, Crawford, Forest, Jackson, Juneau, Langlade, La Crosse, Lincoln, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Monroe, Oconto, Portage, Richland, Shawano, Taylor, Vernon, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood.

The National Weather Service issued a statement Monday that they were monitoring the storms and “the most favored area for development over the next few hours will be across southwestern Wisconsin and northeastern Iowa.”

NWS officials said that if storms develop, they will most likely move from southwest to northeast. They said that additional storms are expected later Monday night and early Tuesday morning as additional thunderstorms travel across northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. 

They said that storms are likely to develop from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and then again from midnight to 4 a.m.

The NWS office in La Crosse said the storms will likely produce large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes. They said that hail damage is possible and that winds could damage trees or down power lines.

NWS officials said that there’s a narrow window in which these storms could produce a tornado and hail of 1 to 2 inches in diameter.

They said that the storms are expected to develop in northeast Iowa, southeast and western and central Wisconsin. near or just west of the Interstate 35 corridor and move east.

Monday afternoon’s temperatures are going to spike warm, climbing into the 80s in spots in southern Wisconsin. As the sun shines through, it’s adding fuel for more severe storms Monday night, according to Civic Media meteorologist Brittney Merlot.

She said that if any isolated storm spins up out ahead of a strong line of storms pushing through the state, it could pack an intense tornado. The risk for twisters remains in that line Monday night too, those would be hiding in heavy rain and moving in fast. Widespread damage is possible. 

Understanding Severe Weather Watches, Warnings

A tornado watch means residents should be prepared and ready to act quickly. 

If an isolated storm Monday evening gains some steam, it could drop a twister from it rapidly. That’s when a warning will be issued, meaning that a tornado is on the ground and actually seen by someone or it’s showing strong rotation on radar. 

In those situations, people should take shelter immediately and be sure to be inside and stay away from windows. Officials suggest that people have a plan in place before the storms arrives, gather emergency items and put them in the shelter spot. They also suggest people have a way to be warned if they’re in an area that is under a tornado warning.

As a result, meteorologists and public safety officials always advise members of the public to take watches and warnings seriously. 

Especially today, tornadoes could be rain wrapped in a line and hiding especially late tonight and moving in fast. So I’d say right now is a time to stay alert, stay tuned and have your plan ready for action.

NWS Offers Safety Info 

NWS officials advise people to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building away from windows. If outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

They said that flying debris can be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Damage to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur and damage to trees is likely.

Stay tuned to Civic Media for continuing coverage.

Editor’s note: Brittney Merlot and David Hyland contributed to this report.