Wisconsin Braces For Severe Storms, Flooding Wednesday

MILWAUKEE, WI — Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are possible in the Milwaukee area Wednesday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely mainly between 3 and 5 p.m. Wednesday near Milwaukee, forecasters said. Some storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall.

The high Wednesday is expected to reach 86 degrees. South winds of 10 to 15 mph could gust as high as 30 mph in the afternoon, according to the NWS.

Storms are also likely Wednesday night, mainly before midnight. Some of those storms could be severe, forecasters said. Patchy fog is possible after 2 a.m., and the overnight low will be around 70.

The NWS said multiple rounds of potentially severe storms are expected across southern Wisconsin through Thursday. Forecasters said all hazards remain possible, including tornadoes, damaging winds, hail and flooding.

More storms are likely Thursday, mainly after 5 p.m. The high Thursday is expected to reach 87 degrees. Showers and thunderstorms are expected Thursday night before 10 p.m., followed by showers between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Some storms Thursday night could produce heavy rainfall, according to the NWS.

Forecasters also warned that southerly onshore winds will bring high swim risk conditions to Ozaukee and Sheboygan county beaches late Wednesday afternoon through late Wednesday night. People should stay out of the water and avoid piers, break walls and other dangerous areas.

Residents should monitor the forecast, review safety plans and have multiple ways to receive warnings, the NWS said.

Here is the Milwaukee-area forecast for the week ahead, according to the NWS:

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Mostly clear Friday night, with a low around 62.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. There is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Showers are likely Saturday night, with a low around 58.

Sunday: Mostly sunny and cooler, with a high near 70. A slight chance of showers returns Sunday night.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. There is a slight chance of showers during the day and a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms Monday night.

Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 73.