TORNADO WARNINGS ACTIVE: Milwaukee, Washington & Waukesha Counties
Severe Weather Alerts Hit Southeast Wisconsin: What You Need to Know Right Now
Breaking: Tornado Warnings Active for Three Counties
As of 7:51 PM, the National Weather Service has issued tornado warnings for:
- Milwaukee County (until 7:30 PM)
- Washington County (until 7:16 PM)
- Waukesha County (until 7:16 PM)
IMPORTANT: A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. Take shelter immediately if you’re in these areas!
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Until 10 PM
A broader severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 10:00 PM for much of southeast Wisconsin, including:
- Dodge County
- Fond du Lac County
- Jefferson County
- Ozaukee County
- Racine County
- Sheboygan County
- Walworth County
- Washington County
- Waukesha County
Timeline of Today’s Weather Alerts
Here’s what happened, in simple order:
- 4:55 PM – First severe thunderstorm warnings for Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, Dodge counties
- 5:00 PM – More warnings for western Fond du Lac and northern Dodge counties (60 mph winds, heavy rain)
- 5:17 PM – Warning for north central Fond du Lac County
- 5:27 PM – Warning expanded to eastern Fond du Lac, northwestern Washington, northeastern Dodge, western Sheboygan (60 mph winds, quarter-size hail)
- 5:42 PM – Warning for northwestern Jefferson and southwestern Dodge counties (60 mph winds, penny-size hail)
- 5:45 PM – First tornado warning for southwestern Dodge County (storm moving east at 40 mph)
- 5:55 PM – Severe thunderstorm warning for Dodge and Washington counties
- 6:05 PM – Dodge County tornado warning expires
- 6:16 PM – Severe thunderstorm watch expands to include Milwaukee and Racine counties
- 6:24 PM – New severe thunderstorm warning for 6 counties including Milwaukee
- 6:34 PM – Tornado warnings for Washington and Waukesha counties
- 7:51 PM – Tornado warning for Milwaukee County
What Are the Main Dangers?
KEY THREATS TO WATCH FOR:
- Damaging winds up to 60 mph (can knock down trees and power lines)
- Hail – penny to quarter size (can damage cars, roofs, crops)
- Heavy rain – potential for flash flooding
- Tornadoes – currently active warnings for three counties
What Should You Do Right Now?
If You’re Under a TORNADO WARNING:
- Go to the lowest level of your building immediately
- Stay away from windows – go to an interior room, bathroom, or closet
- Protect your head with a helmet, pillow, or your arms
- Do NOT try to outrun a tornado in a car
- Mobile homes are NOT safe – find a sturdy building or storm shelter
If You’re Under a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING:
- Stay indoors and away from windows
- Unplug electronics to protect from lightning surges
- Bring pets inside
- Secure outdoor furniture that could blow away
- Monitor updates – storms can produce tornadoes with little warning
If You’re Under a WATCH (not a warning):
- Stay alert – conditions are right for severe weather
- Have a plan ready in case warnings are issued
- Keep your phone charged for emergency alerts
- Know where your safe spot is at home, work, and school
How to Stay Updated
- Interactive Radar: WISN Weather Radar
- Weather Radio: NOAA Weather Radio for your area
- Phone Alerts: Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts are ON in settings
- Local News: WISN 12 News and other local stations
- NWS Website: weather.gov/milwaukee
Understanding the Risk Level
The Storm Prediction Center rates today’s risk as Level 1 out of 5 (Marginal Risk).
What this means in plain English:
- Low overall risk – widespread severe weather is NOT expected
- BUT – isolated storms can still become strong or produce brief tornadoes
- Stay prepared – "low risk" doesn’t mean "no risk"
Summary
| Alert Type | Counties Affected | Until | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tornado Warning | Milwaukee | 7:30 PM | TAKE SHELTER NOW |
| Tornado Warning | Washington, Waukesha | 7:16 PM | TAKE SHELTER NOW |
| Severe T-Storm Watch | 9 counties in SE WI | 10:00 PM | Stay alert, be ready |
| Severe T-Storm Warnings | Multiple counties | Various | Seek sturdy shelter |
Bottom line: If you’re in Milwaukee, Washington, or Waukesha County – take tornado precautions immediately. Everyone else in southeast Wisconsin should stay weather-aware through 10 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between a "watch" and a "warning"?
A: Think of it like baking cookies:
- Watch = "Ingredients are ready, cookies might bake soon" (conditions are right for severe weather)
- Warning = "Cookies are in the oven and baking RIGHT NOW" (severe weather is happening or imminent)
Q: The tornado warning for Milwaukee County says "until 7:30 PM" but it’s already 7:51 PM. Is it still active?
A: This appears to be a timing discrepancy in the original report. Always assume a warning is active until officially cancelled. Check the NWS website or local news for the latest expiration time. When in doubt, stay sheltered!
Q: How big is "penny-size" and "quarter-size" hail?
A:
- Penny-size = about ¾ inch (19 mm) diameter
- Quarter-size = about 1 inch (25 mm) diameter
Both can damage vehicles, roofs, and plants. Quarter-size hail is considered "severe" by the NWS.
Q: What does "Level 1 out of 5" risk mean for me?
A: It means:
- Most people won’t see severe weather today
- But a FEW storms could briefly become strong
- It’s like a "yellow alert" – be prepared, but don’t panic
- Have a plan ready just in case
Q: I’m driving and see a tornado. What should I do?
A:
- DO NOT try to outrun it
- If you can safely reach a sturdy building, do so immediately
- If no shelter is available, get LOW in a ditch or ravine, cover your head
- Avoid overpasses – they can act as wind tunnels and are NOT safe
- Stay in your car ONLY as last resort – seatbelt on, head below windows, covered
Stay safe, Wisconsin! Severe weather can change fast. Keep checking updates, help your neighbors, and remember – stuff can be replaced, people can’t.