A tornado has recently caused significant disruption in southeast Wisconsin, particularly near Evansville. On April 14, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado warning due to severe thunderstorms in the area.
Tornado Warnings and Severe Thunderstorm Updates
The tornado warning for Milwaukee, Washington, and Ozaukee counties expired at 2:15 a.m. CDT. This came after severe thunderstorm warnings also ceased in these regions, indicating that the storms had moved out of the affected area.
Despite the expiration of some warnings, a severe thunderstorm watch remained in effect until 4 a.m. for southeastern Wisconsin. We Energies reported that around 57,000 customers were left without power during the peak of the storm.
Storm Details and Impact
At 2:03 a.m. CDT, radar indicated severe thunderstorms extending from 16 miles east of Oostburg to Union Grove, moving at 50 mph. The significant hazards associated with these storms included:
- Wind gusts of up to 60 mph
- Potential damage to roofs, siding, and trees
Locations affected included major areas in Milwaukee County and its surroundings, such as:
- Racine
- Greenfield
- Oak Creek
- Mount Pleasant
- South Milwaukee
- Cudahy
Safety Precautions During a Tornado
The NWS provided several recommendations to stay safe during tornado conditions:
- Seek shelter in the basement or the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
- Position yourself away from windows and cover your head.
- If driving, do not attempt to outrun the tornado. Find a sturdy building for shelter.
- If unable to find shelter, lie flat in a protected area, such as a ditch, and cover your head with your arms.
Understanding Tornado Watches and Warnings
It is essential to understand the difference between tornado watches and warnings. A tornado watch indicates conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop, while a warning signifies that a tornado has been sighted or detected on radar. Those in warning areas must seek immediate shelter.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and prepared as severe weather continues to pose risks across southeastern Wisconsin.
