Wisconsin weather: Much of state at risk for severe thunderstorms

Thunderstorms, some of them severe, are possible across Wisconsin this evening, with the northwest and north-central part of the state most likely to see strong storms, according to the latest National Weather Service forecasts.

Most of the state is at a "slight" risk for severe storms, which are expected to arrive about 9 p.m. in central Wisconsin and about midnight in the eastern part of the state, the National Weather Service in Green Bay reports.

The storms could bring damaging winds, large hail and localized flooding, according to the weather service. It's expected to be strongest 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. in central Wisconsin and midnight to 5 a.m. in eastern Wisconsin.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for some of the state's western counties, including La Crosse and Monroe counties.

The weather service warned residents about 8:30 p.m. in central Wisconsin to seek shelter because of potential hail and strong winds. Radar indicated the storm would hit Wausau about 9:30 p.m.

The storm may be weaker once it reaches southeast Wisconsin.

"The lines of storms may be weakening as they get into southern Wisconsin, but gusty winds will still likely occur with the storms," a hazardous weather outlook for the Milwaukee area read.

Earlier in the day, meteorologists designated the western and central parts of Wisconsin as at an "enhanced" risk for storms. That was downgraded Tuesday evening.

"As the night goes on, we think some of the thunderstorm activity will survive into southeast Wisconsin, but the probability of severe weather the further east you go in the state, especially southeast, looks lower," said Paul Collar, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Sullivan.

Contact Joe Taschler at (414) 224-2554 or jtaschler@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeTaschler or Facebook at facebook.com/joe.taschler.1.