ALERT DAY: Severe weather threat on the rise! Get the latest details and timing – Chris

Today is an ALERT DAY. Thunderstorms developing into the afternoon could lead to the potential for high winds of 60-70 mph, and hail. Isolated tornadoes will also be possible. Until the storms develop, skies will feature sunshine and temperatures in the 80s. If you’re going to be outdoors, make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.

TIMING AND IMPACTS
Skies are mostly sunny as of now, but the showers and storms that will impact Wisconsin are currently over parts of Iowa and Nebraska. They should begin to reach Wisconsin during the early afternoon, after the atmosphere has had plenty of time to destabilize due to the sunshine and humidity. With this in mind. most of the area is under an ENHANCED RISK (Level 3 out of 5) for severe storms.

Much like the risk zones show, it’s all of southern Wisconsin that has the greatest potential to see severe storms, but there are still questions regarding just how far south the initial round of storms will extend. A secondary round of storms will develop into the late night hours, and this should impact all of the area as it pushes southward.

As mentioned, look for the storms to come in two rounds. The first should arrive during the early afternoon. This will be the round with the greatest potential for high winds. The second round arrives during the late evening and overnight hours. Highs winds and hail will remain possible, but the potential for heavy rain will be greatest during the overnight hours. 

TAKE ACTION
The risk for severe weather is now hours away. Now is the time to be “PRO-active instead of RE-active”, and take action to ensure that you’re prepared for whatever storms may come your way.

This includes planning ahead. Whether you’re in the office, or on the go outdoors, having a weather radio on hand to alert you should a warning be issued for your location is recommended. Also, take time to secure loose lawn items to help keep them from flying away in strong winds. Be sure to charge devices and have flashlights handy just in case of a power outage.

In the meantime, stay tuned to News 3 Now First Warn Weather online, on social media, and on air.