Severe Thunderstorms Threaten Southern Wisconsin Overnight

Damaging winds, lightning, and hail possible from Madison to Kenosha until Tuesday morning

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:36am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, depicting a dramatic, turbulent sky filled with swirling, ominous clouds and flashes of lightning, dwarfing any visible structures or objects below.A looming storm system threatens to unleash its fury across the southern Wisconsin landscape, underscoring the region's vulnerability to the unpredictable power of nature.Madison Today

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for several counties in southern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Dane, Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha. Strong storms moving in from Iowa and Illinois are expected to produce wind gusts over 60 mph, along with isolated hail, posing risks to travel and power reliability through early Tuesday morning.

Why it matters

Severe thunderstorms can cause significant property damage, power outages, and dangerous driving conditions. The I-94 corridor from Madison to Milwaukee is especially vulnerable, with the potential for downed trees, power lines, and reduced visibility for drivers.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, the storms are expected to arrive earlier in the night in communities like Madison, Janesville, and areas in Rock and Walworth counties, before shifting east toward Milwaukee and the lakeshore after midnight. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items, keep mobile devices charged, and avoid unnecessary travel while the storms pass.

  • The Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 3 a.m. Tuesday.
  • Storms are expected to weaken toward sunrise on Tuesday, though additional advisories may follow as the system moves east.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing severe weather alerts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Residents should stay tuned to local weather reports and heed any warnings or advisories issued by the National Weather Service as the storms move through the region.

The takeaway

This severe weather event highlights the importance of being prepared for sudden and potentially dangerous storms, especially for those living or traveling in the affected areas. Heeding weather warnings and taking appropriate safety precautions can help minimize the impact of these types of storms.