The City of Columbus Emergency Management will open up the shelter at the Community Center, located at 161 N. Dickason Blvd. for the possible strong storms tonight. Strong storms are possible tonight, with the best chances near the Wisconsin/Illinois border. A few storms may reach severe criteria, capable of damaging winds and hail.
Saturday Heat: After storms clear Saturday morning, heat will build Saturday afternoon. Heat indices between 95 and 100 will be possible.
Saturday Storms: Severe storms then look likely late Saturday afternoon and into the evening hours. Storms are expected to form in Minnesota and western Wisconsin and move across southern Wisconsin late Saturday afternoon and evening. Damaging winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes will be possible. Locally heavy rain will be possible as well, but the progressive nature of the storms and recent dry conditions may work to limit flash flooding concerns to urban areas and small streams.
What has changed? Increased confidence in timing and likelihood of severe storms on Saturday. The risk of severe storms has expanded eastward to encompass all of southern Wisconsin.