Severe storms forecast for River Valley region Monday; tornadoes and large hail possible

Mother Nature is prepared to lash out at the River Valley region tonight. The National Weather Service reports that widespread severe storms are likely in the La Crosse, Winona and Chippewa Falls areas, starting late this afternoon and continuing into the evening. The most likely window for severe weather is between 6 p.

m. and midnight, with the River Valley region at the heart of a level 4 threat on a scale of 5. The La Crosse National Weather Service has given today's potential severe threat a level 4 for the area.



Primary threats include tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail. NWS says weather spotter activation will be likely needed this afternoon and evening, especially in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Temperatures and dew points are expected to rise considerably in advance of the storm.

The high temperature is forecast to reach the high 70s, but it won't threaten the April 29 record of 89 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for counties from central Iowa through eastern Minnesota and northeastern Wisconsin, including Winona County in Minnesota and Trempealeau, Buffalo, Eau Claire and Chippewa counties in Wisconsin. For up-to-the-minute weather information, go to www.

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