Wisconsin Storm Victims Warned of ‘Storm Chaser’ Scams as Midwest Faces Severe Weather

Severe thunderstorms, large hail and damaging winds recently struck eastern Wisconsin, leaving many homes and vehicles damaged. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has issued an alert urging residents to avoid door‑to‑door repair crews often called “storm chasers.” DATCP advises homeowners to hire local, licensed contractors, obtain written contracts, keep records and verify permits, warning that many of these transient crews demand upfront payment and disappear without completing work.

At the same time, forecasters predict a new wave of severe storms across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. The Storm Prediction Center has placed a Level 2 risk for eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota, with large hail, strong wind gusts and isolated tornadoes possible. A cold front will bring repeated rounds of heavy rain, raising flash‑flood concerns from southern Iowa through northern Illinois and the Chicago area. Heat alerts also remain in effect as temperatures climb into the triple‑digit range in the western United States.