Severe Weather possible tonight-threats from flash flooding and damaging winds

Storms lasting into Wednesday evening bring with them the threat of damaging winds, heavy rain and flooding, and possibly a tornado.

Tornado watches are in effect until 10 p.m. for the region said the National Weather Service.

Some of the storms, especially west of the Mississippi River, may grow strong enough to create damaging winds. The NWS also said a brief tornado is possible if conditions line up just right.

Flooding Threat

As heavy rains continue to move through the area, there’s the possibility of flooding according to the National Weather Service.

A Flood Watch is in effect through 7 a.m. Thursday morning for the area including Western Wisconsin, Southeastern Minnesota, and Northeastern Iowa.

Runoff from the heavy rains, which in some places may reach an inch an hour, could cause river, creeks, and streams to overflow their banks.

The NWS said many rivers are forecast to reach either Action Stage or Minor Flood Stage.

Action stage is when to prepare for possible flooding.

Street flooding, which was seen in La Crosse on Tuesday, is also possible with heavy rains.

Storms featuring heavy rains are forecast to continue into Thursday evening.