A tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service in Milwaukee-Sullivan on Tuesday, April 14 ended at 2:15 p.m. in Milwaukee, Washington and Ozaukee counties. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Walworth, Racine and Waukesha counties that ended at 2:15 p.m.
The National Weather Service said: The severe thunderstorm warning has moved out of the warning area. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. A severe thunderstorm watch will remain in place for southeastern Wisconsin until 4 a.m.
About 57,000 customers in Wisconsin were without power at 2:15 a.m., We Energies reported.
View Weather Radar for Milwaukee County
What do NWS meteorologists say?
What: At 2:03 p.m. CDT, severe thunderstorms were located 16 miles east of Oostburg near Union Grove in a line extending eastward at 50 mph.
HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts.
Source…radar indicated.
Impact: Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Affected locations include Milwaukee, Racine, Greenfield, Oak Creek, Mount Pleasant, South Milwaukee, Cudahy, Greendale, Elkhorn, St. Francis, Sturtvant, Union Grove, East Troy, Franklin, Wind Lake, Rochester, Raymond, Yorkville, Wind Point, and Brown.
Precautions/Preparatory Actions… BE ALERT FOR POTENTIAL THUNDERSTORMS! Tornadoes can develop rapidly from severe thunderstorms. If you see a tornado, get to a strong structure in the basement or small central room at once. Go to the inner room on the lower floor of the building for your safety.
Source: Radar indicated rotation.
Impact: Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Roofs, windows and vehicles will be damaged. There is a possibility of damage to trees. These dangerous storms will be near East Madison, Sun Prairie, Windsor, DeForest, Cottage Grove, and Maple Bluff by 12:30 a.m. CDT. Columbus and Marshall around 12:35 a.m. CDT. Other locations affected by these tornadic storms include Morrisonville, Deansville, Token Creek and East Bristol.”
How do you stay safe during a storm?
During a tornado, the NWS recommends:
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Be as low as possible. A basement below ground level or the lowest floor of a building provides the greatest protection.
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Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
What should you do if you are driving during a tornado warning?
If you’re driving, especially on interstates or highways, don’t try to outrun a tornado.
If you are driving in a tornado warning area, you should find ways to safely exit the road and exit your vehicle, preferably by seeking shelter in a sturdy building.
As a last resort, lie flat in a nearby depression, ditch or culvert and cover your head with your hands.
What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is either seen or indicated on radar, meaning there is an imminent threat to life and property.
If you are in a tornado warning area, take cover immediately on the bottom floor of a sturdy building. If you are outside, in a vehicle or mobile home, move to the nearest strong shelter and take cover.
A tornado watch is issued when the environment is capable of producing a tornado. If you are located in a tornado watch area, the NWS recommends planning in the event that a tornado forms. Be prepared to act immediately 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.
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This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Tornado, severe thunderstorm warnings end for southeast Wisconsin
