Latest news with #JJWood
Newsweek
11-08-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Nearly 200,000 Warned to Avoid Travel as Emergency Declared
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Nearly 200,000 people on Monday remained under flood warnings in the aftermath of torrential rainfall that dropped more than a foot on Milwaukee and its environs, prompting officials to issue a state of emergency over the weekend and caution motorists against traveling. Why It Matters The heavy rains in Wisconsin come as meteorologists have warned that climate change has contributed to the prevalence of 100-year and 1,000-year floods across the U.S. in recent years. As the atmosphere warms, it gains the ability to hold more moisture, which in turn can fuel heavy rains when storms roll into the area. The floods in Wisconsin caused officials to cancel the last day of the Wisconsin State Fair. On Sunday, Milwaukee County declared a state of emergency and cautioned residents against driving or walking through flooded areas. What To Know As of Monday afternoon, numerous rivers were still flooding, according to warnings issued across the Badger State by National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists. Debris piles up at the base of a bridge along the Milwaukee River after torrential rains on August 10 in Milwaukee. Debris piles up at the base of a bridge along the Milwaukee River after torrential rains on August 10 in Milwaukee. Andy Manis/Getty These include the following rivers: Root River at Franklin, affecting Milwaukee County. Fox River Lower at Waukesha, affecting Waukesha County. Milwaukee River near Cedarburg, affecting Ozaukee County. Cedar Creek at Cedarburg, affecting Ozaukee County. Menomonee River at Menomonee Falls, affecting Waukesha County. None of the rivers had reached major flood levels, though the Fox River Lower at Waukesha was experiencing moderate flooding. The others saw minor issues. Flooding is the second deadliest weather hazard in the U.S. behind extreme heat. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles, prompting NWS officials to urge people against driving through flooded roadways. "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles," NWS Milwaukee said in one flood warning. "Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas." Most of the rain has stopped, but NWS meteorologist JJ Wood told Newsweek there is a 40 percent to 50 percent chance for showers and storms overnight Monday, and a 30 percent to 40 percent chance of additional rain Tuesday afternoon. "Any storms that do move through the area, we are expecting them to move through at a fairly decent rate," he said. "We are not expecting big, flash flooding impacts like we've seen over the weekend." What People Are Saying Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, in a news release: "Flooding is still an active emergency situation across Milwaukee County, and we are expecting more rain today and into this evening. Our top priority is the life and safety of Milwaukee County residents. I strongly urge our residents to stay cautious, stay informed, and refrain from traveling. Check in on your neighbors and loved ones, especially older adults, and seek out emergency assistance if needed. I am thankful to our first responders, law enforcement partners, social services workers, and neighbors who are lending a helping hand during a challenging time. We will get through this together, Milwaukee." NWS Milwaukee, in a flood warning: "Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding." What's Next Some of the flood warnings are set to expire by early Wednesday afternoon, whereas others will remain in place until further notice, as it can take time for flooded river levels to recede. Wood said it will be dry for the next several days after Tuesday, which carries the chance of rain.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
After one cloudy day, Milwaukee weather will be great heading into the 4th of July
A cold front moving along Wisconsin could bring thunderstorms to the southern region of the state Monday, June 30, from late morning through the early evening. While exact timing of storms is unknown, stronger ones could result in gustier winds and pea-sized hail, according to the National Weather Service. "They'll be more scattered about, so it won't be an all day wash out or anything like that," Milwaukee-Sullivan National Weather Service meteorologist JJ Wood said. After that, things should clear up in southern Wisconsin and make for a great lead-up to the 4th of July. The sun will return. Temperatures will hover in the mid-80s. Chances for rain and storms will be miniscule. "For showers or thunderstorms, it'd be like 20%," Wood said. "Maybe 30% chance." That nice summer weather isn't poised to last much longer after that, though. Another front coming in July 5 will drop the day's high-80s/low-90s temperatures and cover the sun, leading to a likely chance of storms through the late afternoon and into the evening. And as that system lingers Sunday, chance of rain will continue. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 4th of July week expected to be beautiful in Milwaukee
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Multiple rounds of thunderstorms expected in the Milwaukee area Thursday through Sunday
Showers and thunderstorms are possible in the Milwaukee area Thursday evening and Friday afternoon, though the National Weather Service says it's not certain on the storms' timing. Rain is possible after 2 p.m. on Thursday, with chances increasing throughout the afternoon. Thunderstorms are possible after 4 p.m., with chances highest between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. Milwaukee-Sullivan NWS meteorologist JJ Wood said storms will be scattered and won't be continuous through the night. Gusty winds and hail are possible with Thursday night's storms, but the weather service says they're more likely in the southwestern portion of the state. Rain is in the forecast throughout the day on Friday, and NWS says there is a "Slight Risk" of severe thunderstorms over southeastern Wisconsin on Friday evening, with chances highest between about 4 and 7 p.m. If storms develop along a cold front moving in Friday afternoon, large hail and damaging winds are possible, NWS says. In the Milwaukee area, hail and strong winds are more likely on Friday than on Thursday. On Friday, "we could see a few stronger storms develop, but it's uncertain if they're going to develop in southeast Wisconsin or if they might develop further to the southeast," Wood said. "So, it's possible things could remain dry." Showers and thunderstorms are expected to wrap up around midnight on Saturday, which otherwise is expected to be sunny and dry, with a high of around 53 degrees. Rain is possible throughout the day on Easter Sunday, with over 80% chances between 7 p.m. and midnight. Thunderstorms are possible Sunday evening, and rain is expected to continue into Monday morning. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Thunderstorms, hail possible in Milwaukee Thursday and Friday evenings
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Freezing rain, snow expected to bring icy roads Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning in Milwaukee
A wintry mix of freezing drizzle and light snow could present issues for Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commuters across southern and central Wisconsin. According to the National Weather Service forecast, flurries or light snow could begin around 1 p.m. on Wednesday in Milwaukee. However, peak precipitation is expected to fall in the evening hours through early Thursday morning. "We're going to emphasize that this (freezing drizzle) is going to be rather light for the Milwaukee area," said Milwaukee-Sullivan NWS meteorologist JJ Wood. "It's going to be mainly this evening, starting about 7 or 8 p.m., going until maybe 2 or 3 a.m. It then should be tapered off completely between about 3 and 5 a.m." The Milwaukee area will mainly see freezing drizzle with "a little light snow mixed in at times," he continued. Wood said area residents should expect up to "a couple of hundredths of an inch" of ice accumulation and "maybe a tenth of an inch of snow." This could create slick and icy driving conditions, especially on untreated roads and elevated surfaces like bridges and overpasses into the early Thursday morning commute. Wood said these conditions should no longer pose a threat by mid-day Thursday as temperatures warm to the upper 30s. High winds are expected Thursday afternoon and evening. In Milwaukee, Wood said sustained winds between 25 and 30 mph with gusts up to 40 or 45 mph are possible. Greater snow and ice accumulations are possible with this system in other areas of the state. Central Wisconsin should see "steadier light snow" while the northern portion of the state could see moderate snow totals, Wood said. "In the northern half of the state, you could see anywhere from 1 to maybe 3 inches. In the far northwest part, it's more like 3 to 4 inches," he continued. NWS provides these safety tips for those driving during freezing drizzle conditions: Slow down Don't use cruise control Leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Freezing rain to bring slick road conditions Wednesday in Milwaukee
