Severe thunderstorm watch issued for southern Wisconsin including Milwaukee metro, Madison, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac; winds could top 85 mph

Joe Taschler, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read
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The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for all of southern Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee metro area until 11 p.m. on Saturday.

"A well-organized cluster of storms capable of wind damage and isolated large hail will continue east-southeastward across much of southern Wisconsin and possibly northern Illinois through this evening," the national Storm Prediction Center said in a statement.

Severe thunderstorm watches now cover the southern half of Wisconsin, roughly south of a line from Manitowoc to La Crosse.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for all of southern Wisconsin until 11 p.m. on Saturday.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for all of southern Wisconsin until 11 p.m. on Saturday.

Damaging winds have emerged as the primary threat from the storms that are moving through, forecasters have said.

According to the Storm Prediction Center, the main severe weather threats in the watch area are:

  • Scattered damaging winds with isolated gusts to 85 mph possible.

  • Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail to 2 inches in diameter.

  • A tornado or two is possible.

Areas shaded in pink are under severe thunderstorm watches. The watch for southeast Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee metro area, is in effect until 11 p.m.
Areas shaded in pink are under severe thunderstorm watches. The watch for southeast Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee metro area, is in effect until 11 p.m.

The difference between a  severe thunderstorm watch and a warning

Severe thunderstorm watch. This is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms. The watches are normally issued well in advance of actual severe weather. Be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.

More: It's tornado season in Wisconsin. Here's what you need to know to help keep you and your family safe.

Severe thunderstorm warning. This is issued when a severe thunderstorm is indicated by radar or a storm spotter reports it to the weather service. People in the affected area should seek safe shelter immediately. A warning indicates imminent danger to life and property. Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little or no advance warning.

Campers need to be alert

Forecasters are urging anyone who is camping anywhere in Wisconsin on Saturday to have a plan to seek shelter if severe storms approach.

Tents and campers provide very little protection against severe thunderstorm winds and tornadoes, weather service forecasters said.

Severe thunderstorms reported in southwest Wisconsin

Severe thunderstorms have been reported in southwest Wisconsin.

Vernon County was reporting tree damage and a 70 mph wind gust occurred as storms moved through. Monroe County repored a 60 mph wind gust.

More: Jimmy Buffett reschedules Saturday's Alpine Valley Music Theatre show due to severe weather risk

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Severe thunderstorm watch issued for southern Wisconsin, Milwaukee