Severe Thunderstorm Alert: Wisconsin’s Green Bay and Oshkosh Under Threat from 5-9 PM Friday

Green Bay, WI – Wake up, Wisconsin! Mother Nature is blending some serious heat into the air this Friday. If you are in Green Bay, Oshkosh, or the east-central regions of the state in general, buckle up for a wild ride weather-wise this evening. Green Bay National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning of an unexpected surge of thunderstorms rolling into the region late Friday afternoon early evening hours – 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

And so, then, what have we?

This isn’t just your average spring shower. We’re talking potentially severe storms packing powerful wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail the size of quarters about 1 inch in diameter. The areas in the direct path include not only Green Bay and Oshkosh but also other parts of east-central Wisconsin such as Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, and Portage. That means a lot of communities could be facing dangerous weather conditions right around dinnertime.

What kind of risk do we have?

The NWS gave the region a “slight risk” rating, meaning heavy weather is certainly in the cards but won’t be everywhere. But “slight” and “safe” are not even close to the same thing. The headline is one of likelihood not size and heavy weather is certainly on the menu. Seek out scattered, intensifying thunderstorms that mature into hail-producing cells that generate hazardous straight-line winds, toppling trees and power lines or knocking around loose outdoor furniture.

And if you’re planning to be out and about during those key hours say, heading home from work or making a grocery run – consider making alternate arrangements. The weather could change rapidly, and road conditions could become dangerous with slick pavement, poor visibility, and even minor flooding in low-lying areas.

A Volatile Spring Pattern

That. All in a nuts and nutty unstable weather pattern that has been the tale for Wisconsin this spring. That is where the warm air masses collide with the cold air masses, and that is the formula for the creation of blow-up storms. One beautiful peaceful afternoon and then black stormy with thunder on the next horizon.

Even if they start to come together earlier in the day, meteorologists are praying for the worst at 5-9 p.m. That is when the air is thickest and storm cells can pop up in the blink of an eye. Translation keep your eyes on the horizon and your ears on the radio.

Stay Weather-Aware

With nasty weather, timing and notification are critical. Make sure you’re plugged into good weather apps, your emergency notifications are activated, and have plan B going in case there are notifications where you are. While these kinds of storms will probably blow in and blow out so quickly, they’re deadly things in back.

If you live in a flood area or near creeks, observe water rising. Flash flooding is unpredictable, but local flooding is always a possibility, especially from deluges dumping an unimaginable amount of water into a short time. And if you are on the road when the storm strikes, never try to drive across a flooded road it is much too easy to underestimate the power and depth of moving water.

Delayed Outside (If Possible)

We understand – it’s the beginning of the weekend, and people just want to leave. But if otherwise you’d be hosting a backyard BBQ, strolling along the Fox River, or celebrating outdoors, delay or shift it indoors. Not only will that keep you dry, but it’ll keep you away from hazardous winds and possible lightning as well.

And don’t forget about the pet owners themselves. They get anxious when there are thunderstorms, as well. Give them a safe and cozy spot to withdraw to when thunder starts booming into the area.

This Friday’s weather situation is a reminder of the unpredictability of Wisconsin spring. It is not Weather Armageddon, no sir, but that threat of ugly storms that is easily plentiful enough to warrant precautions. Green Bay, Oshkosh, and its region need to be ready between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., when all will undoubtedly be at its worst.

And don’t forget, as always, to have your local television news and weather close at hand at all times and tune in to the National Weather Service for blow-by-blow commentary. Your own best protection against nasty weather is preparation and knowledge.

Stay safe, then, Wisconsin. And if you do catch a thunderclap? Dash for indoors – thundering, you dash indoors!