Wisconsin will see multiple rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms this week, some of which could be severe and cause local flooding.
After a daytime lull on Sunday, rain showers will redevelop in the late afternoon and evening. Severe weather is not expected, but heavy downpours and lightning are possible.
Monday, April 13, will remain dry for most of the day, but storms could develop between about 6 p.m. and 2 a.m., mainly north of Interstate 94. If that happens, severe weather is likely in central parts of the state.
In areas farther north, like Green Bay, Wausau and Eau Claire, large hail is the main concern. Further south, into Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and Wisconsin Dells, possible threats include large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.
If the warm front moves north – which is looking more likely, said National Weather Service meteorologist Michaela Heeren – the severe threat would dissipate, and storms would be isolated.
But if the warm front moves further south, the tornado threat would increase, Heeren said.
“We know we have the ingredients,” Heeren said, like moisture and instability. “We don’t know if we’re going to have that trigger” like a warm front, she said.
Multiple rounds of rain create flooding risks
Strong and severe storms are also possible Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15. The timing isn’t certain yet, but storms are more likely in the afternoon or evening, according to the NWS.
Heeren recommended checking back in with the forecast, especially with multiple rounds of storms that “could go in different directions.”
Most areas in Wisconsin will see one to three inches of rain across the multiple rounds of rain and storms through Wednesday. That creates a risk of localized flooding or river rises.
Several northern Wisconsin counties are under flood warnings “until further notice” as of April 12. If rain falls on top of lingering snow, it will quickly melt the snow and create runoff that will raise water levels.
The NWS advises monitoring river levels if you live or drive near a river or creek, cleaning gutters and storm drains, having multiple ways to receive flood alerts, and turning around instead of driving or walking through flood waters.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee could be in for some severe weather this week. What to know
Reporting by Hope Karnopp, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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