Severe Weather Threats During Evening Commute Across Wisconsin

WISCONSIN — A line of strong thunderstorms is sweeping east across southern and eastern Wisconsin Wednesday evening, with the potential to impact commuters in several counties.

A Tornado Watch has been extended until 7 p.m. CDT for a large portion of the state, including major cities such as Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, Green Bay, and Oshkosh.

As of 4:47 p.m., radar showed a strong line of storms over Fond du Lac, Dodge, and Washington counties, pushing east toward Lake Michigan. The storms are expected to reach the lakeshore, including Sheboygan and Milwaukee, around 6 p.m..

According to the National Weather Service, the primary threats this evening include:

• Damaging winds
• Isolated tornadoes
• Heavy rainfall and reduced visibility

The Tornado Watch covers at least 21 counties, stretching from Rock County in the south to Outagamie and Waupaca in the northeast. Adjacent waters of Lake Michigan, including areas from Sheboygan to Winthrop Harbor, are also under watch.

Drivers are urged to delay travel if possible and heed all warnings, especially as storms approach urban areas near the lakeshore during peak travel times.

“When thunder roars, go indoors,” the NWS reminds residents. Be prepared to take shelter quickly if warnings are issued in your area.

Here's the full NWS forecast from the Milwaukee Airport:

This Afternoon: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a steady temperature around 82. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 10pm, then a chance of showers. Low around 62. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 70. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 75. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. North wind around 5 mph.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 76.

Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.

Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 81.

Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.