Alert archive / Wisconsin / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 151, NWS La Crosse, WI

July 2, 2026Grant County, Wisconsin

NWS La Crosse, WI issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Jul 2, 2026, 3:19 PM CDT for Grant County, Wisconsin. It was in force for 56 min. 1 report came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Jul 2, 2026, 3:19 PM CDT (20:19 UTC)
Expired
Jul 2, 2026, 4:15 PM CDT
In force
56 min
Issued by
NWS La Crosse, WI
Area
Storm-based polygon
Damage threat
Considerable
Hail
1.75 in
Wind
60.0 mph

County Grant County, WI

The radar

The La Crosse radar (KARX), 113 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:20 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.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Jul 2, 4:12 PM CDTTSTM WND GST 60Livingston, WIRelayed by Emergency Management.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched one storm report to this severe thunderstorm warning; the first came 53 minutes after it went out.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The watch it was issued in

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

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Jul 2, 12:45 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC8 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 12:00Z, 8.3 hours before the alert went out and 318 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 12:00Z on 2026-07-02Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 152 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 12:00Z on 2026-07-02The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -28 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 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
152 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-173 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1469 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
30 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-28 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
38 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
-1.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

127 
WUUS53 KARX 022019
SVRARX
WIC043-022115-
/O.NEW.KARX.SV.W.0151.260702T2019Z-260702T2115Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
319 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

The National Weather Service in La Crosse has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Central Grant County in southwestern Wisconsin...

* Until 415 PM CDT.

* At 318 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Bloomington,
  or 8 miles west of Lancaster, moving east at 30 mph.

  HAZARD...Golf ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

  SOURCE...Trained weather spotters.

  IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail 
           damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect 
           wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* This severe thunderstorm will be near...
  Lancaster around 325 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this severe thunderstorm include Preston,
Arthur, Montfort, Livingston, Beetown, Union, and Stitzer.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

&&

LAT...LON 4290 9098 4303 9043 4274 9042 4271 9098
TIME...MOT...LOC 2018Z 254DEG 26KT 4281 9086 

THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
HAIL THREAT...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.75 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

Skow
3 follow-up statements
868 
WWUS53 KARX 022027
SVSARX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
327 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

WIC043-022115-
/O.CON.KARX.SV.W.0151.000000T0000Z-260702T2115Z/
Grant WI-
327 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 415 PM CDT
FOR EAST CENTRAL GRANT COUNTY...

At 327 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Lancaster,
moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE...Trained weather spotters.

IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to 
         roofs, siding, and trees.

This severe storm will be near...
  Lancaster around 330 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this severe thunderstorm include Preston,
Arthur, Montfort, Livingston, Union, Stitzer, and Centerville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

&&

LAT...LON 4292 9089 4303 9043 4274 9042 4272 9087
TIME...MOT...LOC 2027Z 256DEG 26KT 4281 9076 

HAIL THREAT...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

Skow
974 
WWUS53 KARX 022038
SVSARX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
338 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

WIC043-022115-
/O.CON.KARX.SV.W.0151.000000T0000Z-260702T2115Z/
Grant WI-
338 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 415 PM CDT
FOR EAST CENTRAL GRANT COUNTY...

At 338 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Lancaster,
moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated. This storm has a history of producing hail.

IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to 
         roofs, siding, and trees.

This severe storm will be near...
  Lancaster around 345 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this severe thunderstorm include Annaton,
Arthur, Lancaster Municipal Airport, Livingston, Klondyke Secluded
Acres, Hurricane, and Union.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

&&

LAT...LON 4288 9083 4297 9043 4284 9042 4277 9042
      4276 9083
TIME...MOT...LOC 2038Z 253DEG 22KT 4282 9072 

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

Skow
406 
WWUS53 KARX 022050
SVSARX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
350 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

WIC043-022115-
/O.CON.KARX.SV.W.0151.000000T0000Z-260702T2115Z/
Grant WI-
350 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 415 PM CDT
FOR EAST CENTRAL GRANT COUNTY...

At 349 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Lancaster,
moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to 
         roofs, siding, and trees.

This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of east
central Grant County, including the following locations... Arthur,
Lancaster Municipal Airport, Union, Livingston, and Ellenboro.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

&&

LAT...LON 4286 9071 4293 9043 4284 9042 4277 9042
      4276 9070
TIME...MOT...LOC 2049Z 260DEG 26KT 4280 9059 

TORNADO...POSSIBLE
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

Skow

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 Jul 2, 1:55 PM CDT, 1 hour 24 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Heavy rainfall and flooding is expected this afternoon and evening generally for those along I-90 and south. Additional rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches are possible (30-60%).
  • Strong to severe storms move through northeast Iowa into southwest Wisconsin this afternoon into this evening. The primary hazard is damaging wind, but a few isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
  • A wet holiday weekend is in store for the region as chances for showers and storms exist each day, though potential is greatest on Independence Day (50-80%). Additional rainfall amounts of of 1+ inches are possible Saturday through Monday (10-30%).
Area forecast discussion, Jul 2, 1:55 PM CDT, 1 hour 24 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
155 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Heavy rainfall and flooding is expected this afternoon and
  evening generally for those along I-90 and south. Additional
  rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches are possible (30-60%).

- Strong to severe storms move through northeast Iowa into
  southwest Wisconsin this afternoon into this evening. The
  primary hazard is damaging wind, but a few isolated tornadoes
  cannot be ruled out.

- A wet holiday weekend is in store for the region as chances
  for showers and storms exist each day, though potential is
  greatest on Independence Day (50-80%). Additional rainfall
  amounts of of 1+ inches are possible Saturday through Monday
  (10-30%).

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 156 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

This Afternoon - Friday Morning: Severe, Heavy Rainfall, and
Flooding Potential

A quasi-stationary boundary laid out west-east across the Upper
Mississippi River Valley has been the primary catalyst for showers
and storms last night and through the morning hours today. This is
no different for this afternoon and evening as a shortwave lifts
northeastward while a strengthening low level jet transports
additional moisture into the boundary. At risk of sounding like a
broken record, showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop in
response to these forcings, but confidence in how things play out is
low.

Of greatest concern at the moment is additional heavy rainfall and
flooding potential this afternoon into tonight. Portions of
southeast Minnesota have received 3 to 5 inches of rain through 12
PM CDT resulting in flooded roadways and streams. The 02.12z REFS
suggests a 30-60% chance for amounts greater than 3 inches through
Friday morning primarily along the Minnesota/Iowa border, but does
extend into parts of western Wisconsin and further south into Iowa
towards Dubuque. The 02.12z REFS/HREF LPMM also suggest some
localized areas of up to 5 inches may occur. Additional river and
street flooding will likely occur given the plethora of rain over
the last several days. As such, have issued a Flood Watch to account
for the potential.

Transitioning away from the heavy rainfall, storms that develop are
expected to become strong to severe across northeast Iowa and
southwest Wisconsin, south of the aforementioned boundary. SPC Meso
Analysis suggests 2500-3500 J/kg of SBCAPE exist across this region
along with effective bulk shear profiles exceeding 40kts. Given high
PWAT values and strong mid-level flow, the primary hazard is
expected to be damaging wind gusts although a few tornadoes also
can't be ruled out given 0-1km SRH values of 70-90 m2/s2 and
surface vorticity ingestion from the boundary spanning the
region. Large hail remains a lower threat given poor mid-level
lapse rates and warm temperatures aloft, but also can't be ruled
out in supercells structures that develop.

Storms look to exit the region this evening with a bit of a lull
overnight, but confidence remains low as various CAM guidance
provides a multitude of solutions. That said, as we head into Friday
morning, the 02.12z HRRR suggests that another storm complex moves
through the region again bringing the potential for damaging winds
though the strongest instability looks to be situated south of our
area. The evolution of this complex will likely rely on how the rest
of this afternoon plays out. That said, our area is highlighted
in a level 2/5 slight risk for severe weather by the SPC.

Holiday Weekend - Next Week: Wet then Drier

Friday afternoon may ultimately end up dry depending on how the
morning goes. Upper level ridging looks to build across the region,
forcing shortwaves away from the area. Several of the CAM
solutions fail to convect through the afternoon, though the
02.12z HRRR/RAP do suggest some potential (30-50%) for showers
and storms as a shortwave sinks into the region on top of the
ridge, primarily along and east of the Mississippi River.
Independence Day sees far greater probabilities for showers and
storms as a stronger shortwave/closed upper low traverses over
the aforementioned ridge (50-80%).

Beyond the weekend, ensemble guidance is beginning to
suggest that Monday into Tuesday should finally be a dry couple
of days (knock on wood) as high pressure sinks southward into
the Upper Midwest.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z FRIDAY/...
Issued at 1240 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

Showers and storms continue across the region this afternoon,
generally along a line from central Wisconsin into northeast
Iowa. Coverage of these showers and storms is expected to
increase through the afternoon into this evening, but the
greatest impacts look to be primarily be along and south of
I-90. A bit of a lull in storm activity is possible overnight
generally from 06z-12z, but there is a lot of uncertainty
regarding this as model solutions vary quite a bit in
timing/placement of storms. Showers/storms move eastward towards
the end of the TAF period.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 149 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

Rainfall totals exceeding 3-5 inches have been observed across
the Upper Mississippi River last night into today with some
locations having received upwards of 7 inches. Additional
rainfall in the 1-3 inch range is expected overnight (30-60%)
generally along and south of I-90 per the 02.12z REFS/HREF. The
02.12z REFS/HREF LPMM even suggests upwards of 5 inches could
occur. Areas that see additional rainfall through the afternoon
into the evening will be at risk for additional flooding impacts
and as such a Flood Watch has been issued for counties
generally along I-90 and south.

&&

.ARX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WI...Flood Watch through Friday morning for WIZ041-042-053>055-061.
MN...Flood Watch through Friday morning for MNZ087-088-094>096.
IA...Flood Watch through Friday morning for IAZ008>011-018-019-029-
     030.

&&

DISCUSSION...Falkinham
AVIATION...Falkinham
HYDROLOGY...Falkinham
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 2, 11:13 AM CDT, 4 hours 6 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1113 AM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

IAZ008>011-018-019-029-030-MNZ079-086>088-094>096-WIZ017-029-
032>034-041>044-053>055-061-032015-
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-
1113 AM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

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

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Periodic storms will occur through tonight. Some of the storms
may become severe this afternoon and tonight. The main threats
will be damaging winds, hail, and potentially a tornado.

Elevated water levels are present across much of the area and
additional moderate to heavy rain will accompany any
thunderstorms. Additional flooding and water rises are possible
today and tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday

Periodic thunderstorms will occur Friday and Saturday. Some of
these may become severe, especially storms early Friday morning.

Elevated water levels are present across much of the area and
additional moderate to heavy rain will accompany any thunderstorms
that occur through Friday and Saturday. Additional flooding and
water rises are possible Friday and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters may be needed periodically into the weekend.

.EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATION...

A webinar is scheduled for this afternoon at 2 PM.

APF

In the hours before

Local storm report, Jul 2, 1:38 PM CDT, 1 hour 41 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
138 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

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

0101 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     3 E Charles City        43.06N 92.61W
07/02/2026  M59 MPH          Floyd              IA   Public

            Personal weather station.

&&

APF
Local storm report, Jul 2, 2:20 PM CDT, 59 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
220 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

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

1120 AM     Flood            4 W Elkton              43.67N 92.80W
07/02/2026                   Mower              MN   Emergency Mngr

            3 people were swept into Rose Creek while
            walking near the riverbank at a campground.
            Swift water rescue teams were deployed and
            all three individuals made it out of the
            river safely.

&&

JAW
Local storm report, Jul 2, 2:31 PM CDT, 48 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
231 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

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

0148 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     1 WNW Oelwein           42.68N 91.93W
07/02/2026                   Fayette            IA   Public

            Report of tree branches down in Oelwein.
            Time estimated from radar.

&&

NRF
Local storm report, Jul 2, 2:57 PM CDT, 22 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
257 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

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

0201 PM     Hail             4 ESE Maynard           42.76N 91.80W
07/02/2026  M3.50 Inch       Fayette            IA   CO-OP Observer

&&

APF
Local storm report, Jul 2, 3:05 PM CDT, 14 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
305 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

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

0304 PM     Hail             3 SE Glen Haven         42.80N 91.03W
07/02/2026  E1.00 Inch       Grant              WI   Emergency Mngr

&&

KB
Local storm report, Jul 2, 3:16 PM CDT, 3 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
316 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

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

0308 PM     Hail             4 SSE Glen Haven        42.78N 91.05W
07/02/2026  E2.00 Inch       Grant              WI   Emergency Mngr

&&

KB

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 1, 10:01 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryARXAdams, Jackson, Juneau, Monroe3 hr
Jul 1, 10:21 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningARXJuneau, Monroe, Vernon39 min
Jul 1, 10:57 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningARXAdams, Juneau48 min
Jul 1, 10:58 PM CDTTornado WarningARXAdams, Juneau32 min
Jul 1, 11:30 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningARXAdams3 hr
Jul 2, 2:03 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryARXLa Crosse, Monroe, Vernon6 hr
Jul 2, 8:07 AM CDTFlood WatchARXCrawford, Grant, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Vernon36 hr
Jul 2, 8:15 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningARXMonroe, Vernon7 hr
Jul 2, 8:56 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningARXRichland, Vernon33 hr
Jul 2, 8:56 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningARXRichland, Vernon3 days
Jul 2, 8:56 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningARXVernon3 days
Jul 2, 8:57 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningARXCrawford5 days
Jul 2, 9:00 AM CDTRiver Flood WarningARXCrawford4 days
Jul 2, 11:16 AM CDTAreal Flood WarningARXLa Crosse, Monroe12 hr
Jul 2, 12:34 PM CDTRiver Flood WatchARXCrawford7 hr
Jul 2, 2:47 PM CDTTornado WarningARXGrant43 min
Jul 2, 3:13 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningARXGrant62 min
Jul 2, 3:15 PM CDTAreal Flood WarningARXVernon5 hr
Jul 2, 4:08 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningARXGrant42 min
Jul 2, 4:21 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningARXRichland24 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Wisconsin, 2026Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2026

Sources

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