A fast-building thunderstorm put Milwaukee’s south side and nearby suburbs on edge Tuesday afternoon, as the National Weather Service slapped a severe thunderstorm warning on southeastern Milwaukee County. Radar showed the core of the storm over Cudahy, chugging east at about 25 mph, with forecasters calling for quarter-size hail, heavy rain and possible damage to vehicles.
The warning zone included Mitchell International Airport, Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, Cudahy and St. Francis, according to WTMJ. The station reported the storm had already produced quarter-size hail and could squeeze out up to a half-inch of rain as it pushed toward the lakeshore. Local officials and airport staff were keeping a close eye on the radar and telling travelers to be ready for possible delays.
What the warning means
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan office notes that severe thunderstorms can bring hail and strong winds that threaten vehicles, roofs and trees, and it urges people to get inside and stay away from windows. “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building,” the office advises, per the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan.
Where the storm was headed
Radar trends showed the line sliding east toward the lakeshore, with neighborhoods along the south shore, including Oak Creek, South Milwaukee and parts of the city’s south side, in the projected path. WTMJ listed those communities in the warning. Operations at Mitchell International could see some turbulence and delays while the cell moves through, and drivers on area highways should prepare for sudden heavy downpours.
Safety and travel tips
If you run into flooded roads, do not try to drive through them, and if hail or strong winds hit while you are on the road, pull over safely and seek shelter inside a sturdy building. The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan also recommends keeping your phone charged and tuned to local alerts until warnings expire.
Warnings can change quickly, so residents are urged to keep an eye on local radar and official updates from the NWS and local broadcasters for the latest information. We will update this page if the warning is extended or if damage reports come in.
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