Alert archive / Wisconsin / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2025

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 25, NWS La Crosse, WI

April 28, 2025Buffalo County, Wisconsin; Wabasha County, Minnesota

NWS La Crosse, WI issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Apr 28, 2025, 7:18 PM CDT for Buffalo County, Wisconsin; Wabasha County, Minnesota. It was in force for 25 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Apr 28, 2025, 7:18 PM CDT (00:18 UTC)
Expired
Apr 28, 2025, 7:43 PM CDT
In force
25 min
Issued by
NWS La Crosse, WI
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
1.0 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Wabasha County, MN, Buffalo County, WI

The radar

The La Crosse radar (KARX), 85 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 00:20 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Apr 28, 3:27 PM CDTTornado WatchSPC8 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 00:00Z, 0.3 hours before the alert went out and 140 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Minneapolis, MN at 00:00Z on 2025-04-29Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 471 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Minneapolis, MN at 00:00Z on 2025-04-29The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 148 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
471 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-119 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1064 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
77 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
148 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
213 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.3
Supercell composite
2.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS La Crosse, WI wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Apr 28, 6:58 PM CDT, 20 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Late this afternoon/this evening, severe weather threat remains over the area with timing to be mainly 6 PM to midnight. Storms will move over the area and would be in a very favorable environment for rapid development. These storms would have the potential to produce strong (EF2+) tornadoes and hail in excess of 2 inches in diameter. Severe weather threat will be across the whole area, however the higher threat will be over southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
  • Another round of showers and a few storms Wednesday afternoon into Thursday. QPF amounts expected to be less than a half of an inch.
  • Warming trend this weekend. High temperatures warming into the 70s possibly near 80 in a few locations by early next week.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 28, 6:58 PM CDT, 20 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
658 PM CDT Mon Apr 28 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Late this afternoon/this evening, severe weather threat
  remains over the area with timing to be mainly 6 PM to
  midnight. Storms will move over the area and would be in a
  very favorable environment for rapid development. These storms
  would have the potential to produce strong (EF2+) tornadoes
  and hail in excess of 2 inches in diameter. Severe weather
  threat will be across the whole area, however the higher
  threat will be over southeast Minnesota and western
  Wisconsin.

- Another round of showers and a few storms Wednesday afternoon
  into Thursday. QPF amounts expected to be less than a half of
  an inch.

- Warming trend this weekend. High temperatures warming into the
  70s possibly near 80 in a few locations by early next week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 241 PM CDT Mon Apr 28 2025

Late This Afternoon through Tonight

The atmosphere continues to evolve rapidly across the region ahead
of a stacked low pressure area over the ND/SD border at 18Z.
Surface dewpoints are surging northward and northeast into the area
with 60F+ now into central MN trailing southeast to the Miss river
and into SW WI.  GOES visible imagery clearly shows the slightly
capped warm sector ahead of a dry line and wind shift over SW MN.
Clearing and warming extended east about 3 counties to just west of
Interstate 35 at 1830Z with SPC mesoa indicating MLCAPE around
2500J/Kg. This favorable sector of instability will continue
to progress east across southern MN today, arriving by early
evening. The wind shear for tornadoes is more favorable slightly
further east of the storms in the cloud/capped region /300-400
ms/s2 0-1km SRH/ in the southerly and slight southeast
surface wind flow. Just ahead of the storms in SW MN, the winds
veer to SSW lowering the SRH to much more modest and less tornadic
values. Some veering in the low-level wind flow is expected to occur
over southeast MN and northeast IA when these storms move in within
the 6-9 pm window with still a perky ~250 m2/s2 0-1km SRH expected.
At some point near our forecast area, the discrete supercells are
still expected to congeal moving the threat from strong /EF2+
tornado possible/ to a QLCS tornado threat as the evening
progresses. With ample deep shear and the forcing, large
hail is a threat with the supercells before transitioning to an
increasing line/wind threat.

The area further east of the incoming supercells/line, mainly WI, is
the lower confidence area with near-surface temperatures warming in
the clearing in central WI. Through about 4 pm, elevated modest
MUCAPE of 1k J/Kg will promote isolated severe hail reports. After
that time, depending on the differential heating boundary in
SW/Central WI intensity, could support surface-based storms and the
richer low-level helicity environment to produce a tornado. We will
be watching closely for this as the afternoon wears on. With
confluent flow noticed in the observations and storm growth occurring
entering this zone, seems we are realizing our round 1 messaging
threat in western WI.

Tuesday through Thursday

Surface ridge builds into the region Tuesday. Subsidence underneath
surface ridge should allow skies to clear and winds to
diminish Tuesday afternoon across the forecast area.

Upper level closed low weakens and tracks slowly into the Southern
Plains Wednesday into Thursday. Impulses eject out of the upper
level closed low into the central Plains/Upper Mississippi River
Valley. There is enough forcing/moisture convergence with each
impulse and will spread showers into the forecast area. Instability
is limited and confined to the southern parts of the forecast area
where a few storms could develop Wednesday night into Thursday.

Thursday night through Monday

Main forecast concerns are on and off small chances of showers
through the forecast period. Upper level pattern goes from upper
level trough over the Upper Great Lakes region early in the period
then southwesterly flow aloft develops over the central United
States over the weekend. As upper level trough tracks east into the
northeast United States small chance of showers are possible Friday.
Shortwave ridge builds into the Upper Mississippi River Valley
Saturday and mainly dry weather can be expected. A weak piece of
energy embedded in the southwesterly flow aloft will move into the
Upper Midwest/Upper Mississippi River Valley Sunday into Monday.
Weak moisture transport/convergence and weak lift associated with
the piece energy will produce small chance of showers both days.
Temperatures will be on a warming trend for the weekend...as
southerly flow aloft advect warmer temperatures into the forecast
area. High temperatures will be in the middle 50s to lower  60s
Friday and warm into the 70s by Sunday into Monday.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 645 PM CDT Mon Apr 28 2025

A line of storms to the west of Rochester with additional
showers over parts of western Wisconsin at the start of the TAF
period. The storms will continue to move northeast, but push
east through the evening hours. The hail and higher wind reports
have been sporadic, so for now did include some stronger gusts
and will add hail and stronger gusts if needed. Did mention low
level wind shear at KLSE early this evening. VFR ceilings with
MVFR/IFR ceilings with the thunderstorms. Conditions will
improve to VFR for a few hours, however MVFR ceilings are
forecast to return with the wind shift to the northwest.
Northwest winds decrease Tuesday afternoon with winds decreasing
to 10 to 15kt.

&&

.ARX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WI...None.
MN...None.
IA...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...Baumgardt/DTJ
AVIATION...Zapotocny
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 28, 11:57 AM CDT, 7 hours 21 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1157 AM CDT Mon Apr 28 2025

IAZ008>011-018-019-029-030-MNZ079-086>088-094>096-WIZ017-029-
032>034-041>044-053>055-061-291200-
Mitchell-Howard-Winneshiek-Allamakee-Floyd-Chickasaw-Fayette-
Clayton-Wabasha-Dodge-Olmsted-Winona-Mower-Fillmore-Houston-
Taylor-Clark-Buffalo-Trempealeau-Jackson-La Crosse-Monroe-Juneau-
Adams-Vernon-Crawford-Richland-Grant-
1157 AM CDT Mon Apr 28 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for parts of southeast
Minnesota...northeast Iowa and southwest into central Wisconsin.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

Storms may develop over northeast Iowa, western and central
Wisconsin later this afternoon between 4 pm and 8 pm. This is
later than previous forecasts. There is a narrow window in which
these storms could produce a tornado and hail of 1 to 2 inches in
diameter.

Confidence is highest for severe storms late this afternoon and
tonight, especially over southeast Minnesota, northeast Iowa, and
into west-central Wisconsin. These storms are expected to develop
near or just west of the Interstate 35 corridor and move east.
Large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes are all possible.
Highest threat window currently lies between 6 pm and midnight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday

There will be a chance of storms mainly south of Interstate 90
from Wednesday night through Thursday night.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will be likely needed this afternoon and
evening, especially in southern Minnesota, parts of northeast
Iowa, and into western Wisconsin.

.EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATION...

A webinar is scheduled for noon today.

db

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Apr 28, 1:54 PM CDT, 5 hours 24 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
154 PM CDT Mon Apr 28 2025

WIZ034-041-042-281930-
Jackson WI-La Crosse WI-Monroe WI-
154 PM CDT Mon Apr 28 2025

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL LA CROSSE...
SOUTHEASTERN JACKSON AND NORTHERN MONROE COUNTIES THROUGH 230 PM
CDT...

At 154 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Sparta, moving northeast at 65 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

This strong thunderstorm will be near...
  Fort Mc Coy around 200 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this storm include Warrens, Pigeon Creek
Campground, County Roads I And I I, Jackson Pass, The North Flowage,
Rockland, Tunnel City, Valley Junction, Jellystone Park Near Warrens,
and The Rezin Landing Strip.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 94 between mile markers 126 and 145.
 Interstate 90 in Wisconsin between mile markers 17 and 38.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 4380 9088 4391 9101 4429 9062 4409 9031
      4407 9031
TIME...MOT...LOC 1854Z 228DEG 57KT 4400 9078

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Naylor
Local storm report, Apr 28, 3:41 PM CDT, 3 hours 37 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
341 PM CDT Mon Apr 28 2025

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0307 PM     Hail             2 SE Sidney             44.53N 90.63W
04/28/2025  M1.25 Inch       Clark              WI   Public

0307 PM     Hail             3 SW Sidney             44.52N 90.68W
04/28/2025  E1.00 Inch       Clark              WI   Public

            Public report relayed by broadcast media.

&&

APF
Local storm report, Apr 28, 6:39 PM CDT, 39 minutes before
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Local storm report, Apr 28, 6:57 PM CDT, 21 minutes before
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Local storm report, Apr 28, 7:01 PM CDT, 17 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
701 PM CDT Mon Apr 28 2025

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0653 PM     Hail             3 N Zumbro Falls        44.33N 92.43W
04/28/2025  M0.70 Inch       Wabasha            MN   Trained Spotter

&&
Local storm report, Apr 28, 7:03 PM CDT, 15 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
703 PM CDT Mon Apr 28 2025

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0652 PM     Hail             Kasson                  44.03N 92.75W
04/28/2025  E1.00 Inch       Dodge              MN   Trained Spotter

            Relayed via Emergency Manager.

&&

KB

The office that day

Everything else NWS La Crosse, WI issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 28, 8:03 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningARXClark57 min
Apr 28, 8:05 PM CDTTornado WarningARXClark40 min
Apr 28, 8:26 PM CDTTornado WarningARXClark34 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Wisconsin, 2025Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Minnesota, 2025Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2025

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.