Tornado, severe thunderstorm warnings for southeast Wisconsin expire, watch remains in effect

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

See extensive tornado destruction near Evansville, Wisconsin

A rare February tornado left a path of destruction to homes and farms near Evansville, Wisconsin.

A tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service in Milwaukee-Sullivan on Tuesday, April 14, expired at 2:15 a.m. in Milwaukee, Washington and Ozaukee counties. A severe thunderstorm warnings were in place for Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Walworth, Racine and Waukesha counties that also expired 2:15 a.m.

The National Weather Service said: The severe thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out of the warned area. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 4 a.m. for southeastern Wisconsin.

We Energies reported that approximately 57,000 customers in Wisconsin were without power at 2:15 a.m.

See weather radar for Milwaukee County

What are NWS meteorologists saying?

What:At 2:03 a.m. CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 16 miles east of Oostburg to near Union Grove, moving east at 50 mph.

HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE…Radar indicated.

IMPACT: Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include Milwaukee, Racine, Greenfield, Oak Creek, Mount Pleasant, South Milwaukee, Cudahy, Greendale, Elkhorn, St. Francis, Sturtevant, Union Grove, East Troy, Franklin, Wind Lake, Rochester, Raymond, Yorkville, Wind Point, and Browns Lake.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

SOURCE: Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT: Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. These dangerous storms will be near, Eastern Madison, Sun Prairie, Windsor, Deforest, Cottage Grove, and Maple Bluff around 12:30 a.m. CDT. Columbus and Marshall around 12:35 a.m. CDT. Other locations impacted by these tornadic storms include Morrisonville, Deansville, Token Creek, and East Bristol.”

How do you stay safe during a tornado?

During a tornado, the NWS recommends:

• Get as low as possible. A basement below ground level or the lowest floor of a building offers the greatest safety.
• Put as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible.
• Avoid windows.

What should you do if you’re driving during a tornado warning?

If you’re driving, particularly on interstates or highways, do not try to outrun a tornado.

If you are driving in an area with a tornado warning, you should look for ways to safely get off the road and out of your vehicle, preferably by seeking refuge in a sturdy building.

As a last resort, lie flat in the nearest depression, ditch or culvert and cover your head with your arms.

What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is either sighted or indicated on radar, meaning there is imminent danger to life and property.

If you are in the area of a tornado warning, take cover immediately in the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If you are outdoors, in a vehicle or a mobile home, move to the closest sturdy shelter and take cover.

A tornado watch is issued when the environment is capable of producing tornadoes. If you are located in the area of a tornado watch, the NWS recommends having a plan in place in the event a tornado forms. Be ready to act quickly if a tornado warning is issued.

This story has been updated to include new information.

This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.

See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here