This blog post summarizes recent severe weather that swept across southern Wisconsin over a volatile weekend. There were repeated rounds of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and rising flood concerns.
I explain what drove the storms and where the impacts were focused. Drawing on three decades of meteorological experience, I provide clear, practical guidance for residents facing continued unsettled conditions.
Weekend storm overview: heavy rain, warnings, and lingering flood threats
Southern Wisconsin experienced multiple rounds of thunderstorms and heavy downpours. These prompted a patchwork of severe thunderstorm warnings, watches, and flood advisories.
By Sunday morning, most severe weather warnings had been canceled. However, a river flood warning remained in effect for Waukesha County and a river flood watch was active for Kenosha County.
A beach hazard statement was set to take effect Sunday morning for coastal counties — Sheboygan, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Milwaukee, and Racine. This reflected elevated risks from strong currents and hazardous swimming conditions following persistent onshore winds and storm-driven waves.
Where the storms struck and why they lingered
Throughout Saturday, meteorologists issued multiple severe thunderstorm warnings and watches across a swath of counties. These included Fond du Lac, Dodge, Jefferson, Walworth, Sheboygan, Ozaukee, Columbia, and Washington.
The storms were fueled by a quasi-stationary front positioned over the region. This acted as an “atmospheric highway,” allowing successive rounds of storms to train over the same areas.
This slow-moving frontal setup elevated the risk of flash flooding, particularly where rivers were already swollen from earlier rainfall. The primary hazard was heavy rain accumulating quickly, but strong wind gusts were also a concern.
With soil moisture already high, saturated ground increased the likelihood of downed trees and power outages. This is a common secondary threat that often complicates response and recovery.
What residents should do now
When weather systems are slow to move, conditions can change rapidly. Local meteorologists emphasized the need to monitor real-time updates via weather apps, radar feeds, and emergency alerts.
I recommend a conservative approach: assume conditions can degrade quickly and take simple preparedness steps now to reduce risk.
Practical preparedness and safety steps
Use the following checklist to stay safe and minimize disruption during continued heavy rain, thunderstorms, and potential flooding:
Also, keep a plan for power outages. Store perishable food safely, know how to shut off utilities if instructed, and avoid using generators indoors.
Final thoughts from an experienced forecaster
Weather systems that stall over a region are especially hazardous because they concentrate rainfall over the same locations. This increases flash flood potential.
Over my 30 years in the field, I’ve seen how quickly secondary impacts — downed trees, flooded roadways, and power outages — amplify the initial storm hazard.
If you’re in or near the affected counties, continue to follow local National Weather Service updates. Heed any evacuation or safety guidance.
Monitoring live radar and alerts remains the best way to respond to changing conditions in real time.
Here is the source article for this story: Wisconsin severe weather: Flood watch issued, risk of heavy rain, storms