The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Jefferson County until 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening, as severe thunderstorms swept across southeast Wisconsin, prompting multiple weather alerts and safety concerns for residents.
The tornado warning covered portions of Jefferson County, whilst a broader tornado watch remained in effect until 11 p.m. for Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, Walworth, and Waukesha counties, affecting millions of residents across the region.
Additionally, severe thunderstorm warnings were issued at various times for Dodge, Jefferson and Waukesha counties as the dangerous weather system moved through the area.
Multiple Weather Threats
The National Weather Service warned residents to take immediate shelter as the tornado warning was issued, indicating that a tornado had either been spotted or indicated by weather radar. The warning covered specific areas within Jefferson County where the greatest threat existed.
A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately,” the National Weather Service stated in their alert.
The severe weather system brought multiple hazards to the region, including the potential for tornadoes, damaging winds up to 75 mph, and hail up to ping-pong ball size.
Widespread Impact Area
The tornado watch, which began at 4:51 p.m. CDT, encompassed a significant portion of southeast Wisconsin. The affected counties represent some of the state’s most populous areas, including the Milwaukee metropolitan region.
Jefferson County, located west of Milwaukee, found itself at the centre of the most serious threat as the tornado warning was specifically issued for portions of the county. Cities potentially affected included Fort Atkinson, Milton, and Edgerton.
The severe thunderstorm warnings that accompanied the tornado threat covered additional areas at various times throughout the evening, creating a complex and dangerous weather situation across the region.
Safety Measures Urged
Emergency management officials urged residents in the affected areas to monitor weather conditions closely and be prepared to take shelter immediately if conditions deteriorated.
The National Weather Service recommended that those under a tornado warning should move to the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows, and protect themselves from potential flying debris.
“If you are in the path of these storms, take shelter immediately in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building,” weather officials advised.
Air Quality Concerns
In addition to the severe weather threats, an Air Quality Alert was also issued for several counties including Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha counties until 11:45 p.m. Friday.
The combination of severe weather and air quality concerns created multiple hazards for residents to navigate throughout the evening hours.
Wisconsin’s Tornado History
Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually, with peak tornado season occurring from April through August. The state has implemented comprehensive severe weather awareness programmes, including annual statewide tornado drills.
Southwest Wisconsin near the Mississippi River averages about one day per year with a tornado, whilst the Madison area sees an average of 0.7 days per year, Milwaukee 0.6 days, and Green Bay 0.4 days annually.
National Weather Service offices serving Wisconsin issue, on average, one to two tornado warnings and five to ten severe thunderstorm warnings per county per year in the southern counties.
Monitoring and Response
Local media outlets provided continuous coverage of the developing weather situation, with meteorologists tracking the storms’ movement and intensity throughout the evening.
Emergency management officials remained on high alert, ready to respond to any reports of damage or injuries resulting from the severe weather.
The National Weather Service utilised multiple communication channels to ensure residents received timely warnings, including weather radio broadcasts, television and radio alerts, and wireless emergency alerts sent to mobile devices.
Preparedness Reminder
The severe weather event served as a reminder of the importance of having an emergency plan in place. Wisconsin Emergency Management recommends that residents:
- Know where designated shelters are located at home, work, and school
- Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts
- Create an emergency kit for the home
- Practice tornado safety drills regularly
Officials stressed that outdoor warning sirens, whilst important, should not be the sole source of weather information, as they are designed primarily to alert those who are outdoors.
Looking Ahead
As the severe weather system continued to move through the region Friday evening, meteorologists closely monitored conditions for any changes or additional threats.
The tornado watch extending until 11 p.m. meant that conditions remained favourable for tornado development even after the initial warning expired, requiring continued vigilance from residents throughout southeast Wisconsin.
Weather officials reminded residents that severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little warning, emphasising the importance of staying weather-aware throughout the duration of the watch.
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Image Credit:
Evolution of a Tornado – Image by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), licensed under Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
