Urgent Alert: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued! Is Your Area Affected?
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Wisconsin, including Dane and Waukesha counties, prompting urgent safety alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS). Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Dane County Under Severe Thunderstorm Warning
The NWS in Milwaukee-Sullivan issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Dane County at 11:42 a.m. on Monday, August 18th. Meteorologists are warning of potentially damaging winds reaching up to 60 mph and hail as large as 0.75 inches. The NWS strongly advises residents to remain alert for possible tornadoes, as they can develop rapidly from severe thunderstorms. Seeking immediate shelter in a basement or a small, central room within a sturdy structure is crucial if a tornado is spotted.
Affected Areas and Expected Impacts
The warning specifically targets southeastern Dane County and remains in effect until 12:30 p.m. CDT. Severe thunderstorms were tracked moving east at 35 mph, originating near Verona and Belleville. Expect potential damage to roofs, siding, and trees in areas including Eastern Madison, Stoughton, McFarland, Monona, Edgerton, Marshall, Cottage Grove, Deerfield, Cambridge, and Lake Koshkonong.
Waukesha County Also Under Threat
Waukesha County is also under a severe thunderstorm warning until 1:45 p.m. CDT, with the storm bringing the possibility of 60 mph winds. Areas potentially impacted include Waukesha, New Berlin, Brookfield, Muskego, Pewaukee, and Hartland.
Safety Tips During Thunderstorms
- Seek shelter immediately inside a sturdy building.
- Stay away from windows, electrical equipment, and plumbing.
- Keep a battery-powered weather radio nearby.
- Bring pets inside.
- Secure loose objects outside to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
- Postpone outdoor activities.
Stay tuned to local news and weather updates for the latest information and warnings.