MILWAUKEE, WI — Powerful storms moved through southeast Wisconsin for a second day Thursday, knocking down trees and power lines and causing scattered damage across the region. Kenosha and Racine counties took the hardest hit, with outages, warnings and road closures reported into the evening.
By early night, officials said all watches and warnings had expired for the evening, though a tornado watch remained in place for parts of the area until 9 p.m. Storm damage was still being reported in Kenosha County, especially along the Highway 142 corridor.
Damage and outages reported
Officials said Kenosha had more than 20,000 power outages, while Milwaukee had more than 3,000. Kenosha County government reported downed trees and power lines across the county, with significant damage along Highway 142.
Somers Fire and Rescue also warned residents to stay out of damaged areas if possible, especially along Highway L from Highway EA east to 22nd Avenue. The agency said Somers had again suffered significant storm damage.
Roads closed after storms
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office said State Highway 142 was closed between County Highway MB South and County Highway MB North because of downed power lines. US 45 northbound was also closed at 9th Street, and officials said the roadway would stay closed for an extended period.
Deputies asked drivers to avoid the area and find another route. The closures added to the cleanup effort as crews dealt with debris, blocked roads and utility damage.
Watch area and forecast
The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for six counties in south central and southeast Wisconsin, including Kenosha, Racine and Walworth, as well as Green, Lafayette and Rock counties. A flood watch was also in effect for southern and eastern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Dane counties, because of heavy rain and flash flooding concerns.
Forecasters said more showers and storms were possible through the day before conditions dry out overnight. The seven-day outlook called for a quieter Friday, with another chance of storms expected over the weekend and again next week.
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