First storms of season hit area

Tennis ball-size hail reported

The line of thunderstorms that went through Platteville just before midnight Sunday included 1.75-inch hail east of Potosi and tree damage from high winds, including this tree at Third Street and Adams Street in Platteville.

DSC 7476 — The line of thunderstorms that went through Platteville just before midnight Sunday included 1.75-inch hail east of Potosi and tree damage from high winds, including this tree at Third Street and Adams Street in Platteville.

The 2013 severe weather season started with a bang Sunday night.

Tornado watches and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for a line of storms that went through Grant County and Lafayette and Iowa counties simultaneously Sunday just before midnight.

Hail of 1.75 inches in diameter was reported three miles east of Potosi by a trained spotter, according to the National Weather Service La Crosse office.

In addition, a tree was toppled in Lancaster, and a wind gust of 60 mph was measured in Lone Rock. Thunderstorm wind damage was reported in South Wayne by law enforcement, according to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan office.

The highest reported rainfall amount was 1.07 inches, reported in Rockville.

Homes on the north side of Platteville served by Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative lost power for around four hours Sunday night. Power also was out in Montfort Sunday night.

Another severe thunderstorm watch was issued Monday night, but the two lines of storms went west and east of Grant and Lafayette counties,

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