Tornado Risk Grows In Wisconsin As Storms Approach This Week

If you live in or plan to travel through Wisconsin later this week, you need to know that most of the state is suddenly in the danger zone for an enhanced risk of tornadoes.

The National Weather Service has made it known that much of the Midwest will have a chance of severe weather starting Thursday, May 15. Now, the NOAA Storm Prediction Center has issued an advisory which includes nearly all of Wisconsin with an enhanced risk of tornadoes. Here's their updated map showing the parts of Wisconsin where they expect potentially explosive storm development.

What does an enhanced risk of severe storms mean for Wisconsin?

Enhanced risk means the highlighted area is more likely to see severe thunderstorm development than not. The forecast discussion from NOAA meteorologists includes some troubling possibilities as they say "a strong tornado cannot be ruled out given the very favorable thermodynamics". The official government agencies aren't the only ones who have picked up on the severe storm possibilities for Wisconsin as YouTube weather personality Ryan Hall also noticed computer models showing possible supercell development Thursday afternoon and evening.

While it's still possible that some variables could change between now and Thursday, we're close enough that the computer models should be accurate. You shouldn't change any plans based on outlooks like this. Instead, be weather aware and make sure you have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings from the National Weather Service if and when these storms begin impacting Wisconsin.