Tornadoes to Floods: Severe Weather Threat Amplified Tonight

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – At least 6 tornadoes tore through the state over the weekend, alongside torrential rain causing rivers to rise and flooding in the forecast and there’s more in store.

The National Weather Service is confirming at least six tornadoes touched down in southern Wisconsin Saturday. Communities hit include Janesville, Marshall, Watertown, Lake Geneva, Delevan, and Tennyson. A likely tornado destroyed an historic church in Argyle. Apple Grove Lutheran Church was founded in 1893.

Four of the twisters were rated EF-1’s and the strongest was rated an EF-2 that struck just south of the Janesville area.

Meanwhile, torrential rain soaked the state. Around 6″ fell in the Baraboo region and around 2″ in Madison.

With the soil already saturated and rivers full to their banks, Flood Warnings are out.

Farmers and families alike, are hoping for a break in the rain but Wisconsin is in no luck.

In fact a severe weather outbreak is likely, overnight. While we lay our heads to sleep tonight, make sure your phone is charged, WEA Alerts set to active on your cell or have a NOAA Weather Radio nearby that’s battery powered.

Storms are expected to spark up this evening. Isolated and strong at first, the main event holds off until around midnight. Beginning in the northwest areas like Superior and Eau Claire, with the highest threat for tornadoes and large hail up to the size of a pool balls.

As the system lines out overnight and marches southeastward across the state, high winds, some hail and heavy rain will be the main threats.

Gusts could peak at 70 mph, knocking down trees and taking out power.

Heavy downpours are possible again, with 0.50″ to 1.5″ of rain possible.

All of the rain gets absorbed by the soil and drains into our river basins. With many rivers forecasted to crest into flood stages, now is the time to prep.

Be sure your sump pump is working and move any property away from creeks and streams. If your basement is prone to letting water in, sand bags might be an option.

If you want to track the current river levels, click here.