Severe weather is forecast to hit much of Wisconsin on Wednesday. The National Weather Service is predicting thunderstorms and hail, and in some areas, tornadoes could be possible.
Winds may reach 75 mph in some places, and heat indexes could hit the mid-to-high 90s. Weather service meteorologist Patrick Ayd said instability, such as humidity and strong winds, can be an ingredient for severe weather.
“We’re really paying attention, and we need the folks out there to really be paying attention as well, as things are probably going to be changing and increasing quite rapidly as we move through the afternoon and evening hours,” said Ayd. “Today is probably one of our most significant risks of the summer so far.”
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Ayd said the combination of wind and hail can cause damage.
11am Update: Confidence in a widespread, damaging thunderstorm wind event continues to increase for tonight. A tent or camper will not hold back the weight of a falling tree. Please ensure that you have ways to receive warnings and know where your shelter is tonight. #wiwx pic.twitter.com/qYKGKae85f
— NWS Milwaukee (@NWSMilwaukee) July 28, 2021
He said the storms are set to accelerate in the late evening and overnight.
“Now’s the best time to make a plan, make sure you have more than one way to receive a warning and know where you’re going to go whether at work, whether at home, whether at camp, what your plans are going to be to seek the safest shelter that you can find,” said Ayd.
The storms are forecast to develop later in the afternoon around northwest Wisconsin and move southeast from there.
A Moderate risk for severe weather remains forecast for much of the state of Wisconsin. Damaging winds (some 75+ mph) are the primary threat this afternoon and evening. Very large hail and a few tornadoes are also possible. Stay weather aware if you live within these areas. pic.twitter.com/X9uHShYykf
— NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) July 28, 2021
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