Wisconsin tornado watches Wednesday; here's what to know

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The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for most of southeast Wisconsin on Wednesday, July 16. These warnings have expired.

A tornado watch expired for Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties at 7 p.m. It previously expired for Dodge, Fond du Lac and Jefferson counties.

During a tornado watch, tornadoes could be possible. Isolated hail and scattered wind gusts up to 70 mph are also possible.

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A severe thunderstorm warning was also issued for parts of Ozaukee, Sheboygan and Washington counties until 6:00 p.m. A flash flood warning was issued for parts of Fond du Lac County until 7:45 p.m.

Tornado warnings for parts of Dodge, Fond du Lac and Jefferson counties have expired. The NWS also confirmed tornado reports at two locations.

  • 3:10 p.m. Confirmed tornado reported in Fox Lake, Dodge County
  • 3:35 p.m. Confirmed tornado reported in Hustisford, Dodge County

During a tornado warning, flying debris could pose danger to anyone without shelter. Mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, vehicles and trees is likely.

Southeast Wisconsin severe weather; photos shared by FOX6 viewers

FOX6 News viewers shared images of the severe weather and damage caused by storms that raced through southeast Wisconsin on Wednesday, July 16.

Severe weather outlook (12:03 p.m.)

Dig deeper:

The FOX6 Weather Experts are tracking storms that are expected to form as a broken line to our west on Wednesday afternoon, July 16 and then become stronger and more organized as they move east across the Milwaukee Metro on Wednesday evening.

Timeline:

A broken line of storms is expected to form west of a line from West Bend to Waukesha between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. 

A more organized line will move east into areas just west of the lake-shore between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Strong to severe storms will be over the I-43 corridor by 6 p.m. 

A Slight Risk has been issued for our area by the Storm Prediction Center. That is considered a two out of five on the threat scale and means that scattered severe storms are possible. 

The main threats for southeastern Wisconsin are strong straight-line wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, but a brief tornado is possible.

Heavy rain is also possible with 1-2" in some areas and isolated locations getting over 3" in a short period of time.

Flooding is possible for areas hit by one or more intense thunderstorms. Areas north of a line from Beaver Dam to Port Washington are most at risk of flooding, but all areas could be impacted.

Some of the strongest storms will arrive during the late afternoon and early evening commute times, causing problems for area drivers. 

Tips for driving in thunderstorms

What you can do:

  • Reduce speed
  • Increasing following distance
  • Be prepared to pull over if necessary
  • Avoid flooded areas
  • Keep your vehicle's lights on for better visibility

Be prepared on the road, at work and at home by staying tuned for updates, monitoring the Fox Local app and downloading the Fox 6 Storm Center App. 

FOX6 Weather Extras

Local perspective:

Meanwhile, FOX6Now.com offers a variety of extremely useful weather tools to help you navigate the stormy season. They include the following: 

FOX6 Storm Center app

FOX LOCAL Mobile app

FOX Weather app

What is the FOX Model?

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What is the FOX Model?

FOX Weather Expert Tom Wachs explains the value of the FOX Model for our team -- and our viewers.

FOX Weather

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Maps and radar

We have a host of maps and radars on the FOX6 Weather page that are updating regularly — to provide you the most accurate assessment of the weather. From a county-by-county view to the Midwest regional radar and a national view — it’s all there.

School and business closings

When the weather gets a little dicey, schools and businesses may shut down. Monitor the latest list of closings, cancellations, and delays reported in southeast Wisconsin.

FOX6 Weather Experts in social media

The Source: Information in this report is from the FOX6 Weather Experts and National Weather Service.

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