Wisconsin severe weather aftermath: Power outages, damage reports (2024)

Severe thunderstorm and tornado watches for Wisconsin were extended for several counties until the early hours of Wednesday, but the severe threat was over by 1 a.m. The region was mostly affected by severe wind gusts that left thousands of residents without power. Radar imagery confirmed active storms with wind gusts exceeding 70 mph in some areas, particularly near Belleville.Four confirmed tornadoes have been reported across Wisconsin so far from the storms. One was in Clark County, two were in Buffalo County and one was in Marathon County. The Milwaukee/Sullivan National Weather Service office is surveying damage across the central part of the state to confirm whether the storm damage was from a tornado or straight-line winds. More information will come in the following days.These are some of the pictures and videos of the damages reported.LIVE UPDATES 1:30 a.m.: We Energies reports 434 outages. A total of 36,719 customers are out of service. Below is the list of counties mostly affected. Waukesha, Outagamie, and Milwaukee counties are the most affected.Waukesha 15,903 Outagamie 3,994 Milwaukee 2,8211:10 a.m.: All watches and warnings in southeastern Wisconsin have expired.12:19 a.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for southern Ozaukee County, northwestern Milwaukee County, northeastern Waukesha County, and southeastern Washington County until 1 a.m.11:59 p.m.: A tornado watch remains in effect for parts of Southeastern Wisconsin until 2 a.m. The counties in that watch include Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Waukesha, Washington, and Ozaukee. 11:52 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning is now in effect for Racine, Walworth and Waukesha counties until 12:30 a.m. 11:42 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Northwestern Walworth County, Waukesha County and Southeastern Jefferson County until 12:15 a.m. 11:30 p.m.: We Energies reports that 22,548 customers are out of service. Waukesha, Outagamie, and Racine counties are the most affected.Racine 1,809 Waukesha 4,491Winnebago 1,91311:01 p.m.: One tornado warning has expired, but there is still one in effect for southeastern Jefferson County. At 10:44 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Edgerton, moving northeast at 55 mph. Two severe thunderstorm warnings also remain in effect for Jefferson County. 10:45 p.m.: Two tornado warnings have been issued for Jefferson County. Some rotation has been seen on these storms in the recent radar scans.10:30 p.m.: The severe thunderstorm warning has been extended until 11:15 p.m. for Dodge and Jefferson counties. 9:50 p.m. According to NWS, storms still have the potential to intensify and become severe, with significant threats including large hail, destructive winds, and the possibility of a solitary tornado.9:45 p.m. Severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect for Washington and Waukesha counties until 9:45 p.m. Fond du Lac and Sheboygan have the warning until 10 p.m., and Dodge County has a severe thunderstorm warning until 10:15 p.m. 9:32 p.m.: All of the tornado warnings have expired. 9:28 p.m.: Severe thunderstorm warnings continue to change. Waukesha and Washington counties are under a warning until 9:45 p.m. Jefferson and Dodge are under one until 10 p.m. 9:24 p.m.: There are power outages in Dodge, Jefferson, Racine and Walworth counties. 9:20 p.m.: WeatherWatch Chief Meteorolgoist Mark Baden said so far, he has not heard of any actual tornado in the area. 9:05 p.m. Another severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Dodge, Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and Washington counties until 9:45 p.m. 9 p.m.: There are tornado warnings in effect for Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties until 9:30 p.m. The warning for Dodge County expired. 8:40 p.m.: A Severe Thunderstorm Warning with destructive potential was issued for Jefferson, Western Waukesha, and Southern Dodge counties. Take precautions similar to those for a tornado warning.It will remain in effect until 10 p.m. With the capability of producing 80 mph winds.8:35 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning for Waukesha, Jefferson and Dodge counties is in effect until 10 p.m. This warning also affects Dane County, Green County and Rock County. 8:24 p.m.: The tornado warning for Dodge and Fond du Lac counties has been extended until 9 p.m. 8:13 p.m.: A tornado warning has been issued for Fond du Lac County until 8:45 p.m. 8:08 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Dodge, Fond du Lac and Washington counties until 9 p.m. 8:05 p.m. A tornado warning has been issued for Dodge County until 8:30 p.m. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Jefferson County until 8:30 p.m. 7:50 p.m. A band of storms has formed and is moving eastward across southern Wisconsin. The primary hazards are damaging winds ranging from 60 to 80 mph and the possibility of tornadoes within these storms.7:30 p.m.: The tornado watch has been expanded to include all of Southeast Wisconsin until midnight, including the lakeshore counties. 7:13 p.m.: Severe weather is expected to increase along and west of Interstate 39 within the next 45 to 60 minutes. This threat will also extend across Dane County, including the Madison metropolitan area, during the same period. NWS has issued several alerts.7 p.m.: There is a tornado warning west of Madison in Dane County. 6:18 p.m.: The warm front has arrived in Milwaukee. The temperature just jumped to the 70s, and it is 90 degrees in Janesville. Storms are still coming, mainly between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.4 p.m.: A tornado watch is in effect for a large portion of Southeast Wisconsin until midnight. As the alert expands, it could include additional areas based on the progression of the storm.3:30 p.m.: Showers and storms are ongoing over western Iowa, and are expected to reach southern Wisconsin later this evening. 12:40 p.m.: The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Fond du Lac and Dodge counties until 1:30 p.m.Here's a breakdown of what you need to know: The storms are associated with a warm front moving through the state and are expected to develop between 7 and 11 p.m. Strong to severe storms are expected this evening in Wisconsin.Primary threats include damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes.The most significant activity is forecast between 6 and 11 p.m.Greatest risk along a southwest-northeast line, but all areas should be prepared.Download weather alert apps, identify safe shelter locations, and stay informed

MILWAUKEE —

Severe thunderstorm and tornado watches for Wisconsin were extended for several counties until the early hours of Wednesday, but the severe threat was over by 1 a.m.

The region was mostly affected by severe wind gusts that left thousands of residents without power. Radar imagery confirmed active storms with wind gusts exceeding 70 mph in some areas, particularly near Belleville.

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Four confirmed tornadoes have been reported across Wisconsin so far from the storms. One was in Clark County, two were in Buffalo County and one was in Marathon County.

The Milwaukee/Sullivan National Weather Service office is surveying damage across the central part of the state to confirm whether the storm damage was from a tornado or straight-line winds. More information will come in the following days.

These are some of the pictures and videos of the damages reported.

Wisconsin severe weather aftermath: Power outages, damage reports (1)

Mark W

Wisconsin severe weather aftermath: Power outages, damage reports (2)

Jean Fifer

Wisconsin severe weather aftermath: Power outages, damage reports (3)

Robin Griepentrog

LIVE UPDATES

1:30 a.m.: We Energies reports 434 outages. A total of 36,719 customers are out of service. Below is the list of counties mostly affected. Waukesha, Outagamie, and Milwaukee counties are the most affected.

  • Waukesha 15,903
  • Outagamie 3,994
  • Milwaukee 2,821

1:10 a.m.: All watches and warnings in southeastern Wisconsin have expired.

12:19 a.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for southern Ozaukee County, northwestern Milwaukee County, northeastern Waukesha County, and southeastern Washington County until 1 a.m.

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A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Washington counties until 1:00 AM. The risks are 60 mph winds and penny size hail. The storm is moving northeast at 55 mph. pic.twitter.com/DyNzTok4gi

— Meteorologist Gino Recchia (@GinoRecchiaWX) May 22, 2024

11:59 p.m.: A tornado watch remains in effect for parts of Southeastern Wisconsin until 2 a.m. The counties in that watch include Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Waukesha, Washington, and Ozaukee.

11:52 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning is now in effect for Racine, Walworth and Waukesha counties until 12:30 a.m.

11:42 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Northwestern Walworth County, Waukesha County and Southeastern Jefferson County until 12:15 a.m.

11:30 p.m.: We Energies reports that 22,548 customers are out of service. Waukesha, Outagamie, and Racine counties are the most affected.

  • Racine 1,809
  • Waukesha 4,491
  • Winnebago 1,913

Severe weather in Wisconsin causes power outages for thousands

11:01 p.m.: One tornado warning has expired, but there is still one in effect for southeastern Jefferson County. At 10:44 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Edgerton, moving northeast at 55 mph. Two severe thunderstorm warnings also remain in effect for Jefferson County.

10:45 p.m.: Two tornado warnings have been issued for Jefferson County. Some rotation has been seen on these storms in the recent radar scans.

10:30 p.m.: The severe thunderstorm warning has been extended until 11:15 p.m. for Dodge and Jefferson counties.

9:50 p.m. According to NWS, storms still have the potential to intensify and become severe, with significant threats including large hail, destructive winds, and the possibility of a solitary tornado.

This content is imported from Twitter.You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

(2/2) Some of these storms could become severe as well, with large hail, damaging winds, and an isolated tornado being the main concerns. Continue to stay weather aware over the next several hours. #wiwx

— NWS Milwaukee (@NWSMilwaukee) May 22, 2024

9:45 p.m. Severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect for Washington and Waukesha counties until 9:45 p.m. Fond du Lac and Sheboygan have the warning until 10 p.m., and Dodge County has a severe thunderstorm warning until 10:15 p.m.

9:32 p.m.: All of the tornado warnings have expired.

9:28 p.m.: Severe thunderstorm warnings continue to change. Waukesha and Washington counties are under a warning until 9:45 p.m. Jefferson and Dodge are under one until 10 p.m.

9:24 p.m.: There are power outages in Dodge, Jefferson, Racine and Walworth counties.

9:20 p.m.: WeatherWatch Chief Meteorolgoist Mark Baden said so far, he has not heard of any actual tornado in the area.

9:05 p.m. Another severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Dodge, Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and Washington counties until 9:45 p.m.

9 p.m.: There are tornado warnings in effect for Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties until 9:30 p.m. The warning for Dodge County expired.

8:40 p.m.: A Severe Thunderstorm Warning with destructive potential was issued for Jefferson, Western Waukesha, and Southern Dodge counties. Take precautions similar to those for a tornado warning.

It will remain in effect until 10 p.m. With the capability of producing 80 mph winds.

This content is imported from Twitter.You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

A Destructive Severe T-Storm Warning is in effect for Jefferson, Western Waukesha and southern Dodge counties until 10PM.

This storm is capable of 80 MPH -- this will pack a punch as it moves in! Treat it like you would a tornado warning. pic.twitter.com/kG4Kb9FaiK

— Molly Bernard (@Molly_WISN) May 22, 2024

8:35 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning for Waukesha, Jefferson and Dodge counties is in effect until 10 p.m. This warning also affects Dane County, Green County and Rock County.

8:24 p.m.: The tornado warning for Dodge and Fond du Lac counties has been extended until 9 p.m.

This content is imported from Twitter.You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

New Tornado Warning just south of the previous -- in effect until 9PM for Dodge and Fond du Lac counties. pic.twitter.com/43FJkDOvBM

— Molly Bernard (@Molly_WISN) May 22, 2024

8:13 p.m.: A tornado warning has been issued for Fond du Lac County until 8:45 p.m.

8:08 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Dodge, Fond du Lac and Washington counties until 9 p.m.

8:05 p.m. A tornado warning has been issued for Dodge County until 8:30 p.m. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Jefferson County until 8:30 p.m.

7:50 p.m. A band of storms has formed and is moving eastward across southern Wisconsin. The primary hazards are damaging winds ranging from 60 to 80 mph and the possibility of tornadoes within these storms.

This content is imported from Twitter.You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Storms have merged into a line and are tracking east across southern WI. Damaging winds up to 60-80 mph and embedded tornadoes are the main concern. Storms have a history of tree and structural damage. #wiwx pic.twitter.com/2cM89MKcn5

— NWS Milwaukee (@NWSMilwaukee) May 22, 2024

7:30 p.m.: The tornado watch has been expanded to include all of Southeast Wisconsin until midnight, including the lakeshore counties.

7:13 p.m.: Severe weather is expected to increase along and west of Interstate 39 within the next 45 to 60 minutes. This threat will also extend across Dane County, including the Madison metropolitan area, during the same period. NWS has issued several alerts.

This content is imported from Twitter.You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

(1/2) 7:10 PM Tuesday: Severe weather potential will continue to increase along and west of I-39 in the next 45 mins to an hour. This potential will overspread Dane Co and the Madison metro during this timeframe. Multiple warnings are in effect. pic.twitter.com/lHueQuF1tt

— NWS Milwaukee (@NWSMilwaukee) May 22, 2024

7 p.m.: There is a tornado warning west of Madison in Dane County.

6:18 p.m.: The warm front has arrived in Milwaukee. The temperature just jumped to the 70s, and it is 90 degrees in Janesville. Storms are still coming, mainly between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

4 p.m.: A tornado watch is in effect for a large portion of Southeast Wisconsin until midnight. As the alert expands, it could include additional areas based on the progression of the storm.

This content is imported from Twitter.You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

A Tornado Watch has been issued for much of SEWI until Midnight.

Just because lakeshore counties aren't included doesn't mean there isn't a severe risk. Counties may be added depending on how the line develops.

Stay tuned to Weather Watch 12 this evening! pic.twitter.com/NhzfPReCtV

— Molly Bernard (@Molly_WISN) May 21, 2024

3:30 p.m.: Showers and storms are ongoing over western Iowa, and are expected to reach southern Wisconsin later this evening.

This content is imported from Twitter.You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

(1/2) 3:25 PM Tuesday: Widespread showers and storms are ongoing over western IA, and are expected to reach southern Wisconsin later this evening. Near-term, we're closely watching an isolated severe storm that has developed to the south of a warm front near Dubuque pic.twitter.com/0nFk2j1ZG5

— NWS Milwaukee (@NWSMilwaukee) May 21, 2024

12:40 p.m.: The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Fond du Lac and Dodge counties until 1:30 p.m.

Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:

The storms are associated with a warm front moving through the state and are expected to develop between 7 and 11 p.m.

  • Strong to severe storms are expected this evening in Wisconsin.
  • Primary threats include damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes.
  • The most significant activity is forecast between 6 and 11 p.m.
  • Greatest risk along a southwest-northeast line, but all areas should be prepared.
  • Download weather alert apps, identify safe shelter locations, and stay informed
  • Tornado watch expires, severe weather threat moves out of SE Wisconsin

    Severe storms target Wisconsin: Damaging winds and tornadoes possible

    We Energies prepares for potentially damaging storms Tuesday


    Wisconsin severe weather aftermath: Power outages, damage reports (2024)

    FAQs

    What state has never had a tornado? ›

    Tornadoes have been documented in every U.S. state (not including the non-state territories of Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico) at least once since 1950, although some regions and states are hit by tornadoes far more than others.

    Has Wisconsin ever had an F5 tornado? ›

    July 18, 1996 - Oakfield (Fond du Lac County): injured 12 with damage at 40.4 million in 1996 dollars. Tornado rated F5 east of Oakfield.

    What was the worst storm in Wisconsin? ›

    The Western Wisconsin Derecho was a derecho, or severe weather system, that occurred through several counties of Western Wisconsin on July 15, 1980. It caused $240 million in damage (equivalent to $887.5 million in 2023) -- the largest storm damage total in Wisconsin history to that point.

    What was the worst tornado in Wisconsin history? ›

    * The New Richmond tornado of Jun 12, 1899 is Wisconsin's deadliest tornado in state history, with 117 killed and 125 injured.

    What is the safest state to live in weather wise? ›

    I​n 2021, U.S. News and World Report analyzed resiliency data from the Environmental Protection Agency and found that the top five most climate-resilient cities in the U.S. were Anchorage, Alaska; Honolulu; Spokane, Washington; Eugene, Oregon; and Santa Barbara, California.

    What is the number one state that has the most tornadoes? ›

    Texas leads the nation in the number of tornadoes that occur each year on average, followed by Kansas. Texas leads the nation for the average number each year only because of its size.

    What part of Wisconsin gets the most tornadoes? ›

    What part of Wisconsin has the highest likelihood of tornadoes? Dodge, Grant and Dane counties hold the highest number of tornado events in the state, with Dane County holding the record for most at 81 tornadoes from 1950-2014.

    What was the only F6 tornado? ›

    The F6 tornado of Xenia, Ohio in 1974

    Picture of the tornado that hit Xenia, Ohio on April 3, 1974. Image courtesy of the National Weather Service.

    Is Wisconsin in Tornado Alley? ›

    As a colloquial term there are no definitively set boundaries of Tornado Alley, but the area common to most definitions extends from Texas, through Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, North Dakota, Montana, Ohio, and eastern portions of Colorado ...

    What was the biggest blizzard in Wisconsin? ›

    (About 114 inches fell on Madison during the 1880-1881 winter, but that number is unofficial). Record for longest lasting blizzard-Wisconsin: January 28-30, 1947 in southern Wisconsin, 18 to 27 inches of snow, 35-45 mph winds with gusts to 60 mph, 10 to 20 foot drifts.

    Will a hurricane ever hit Wisconsin? ›

    Wisconsin, located well inland in North America, is infrequently affected by the remnants of tropical cyclones impacting in the southern United States. It has never been directly impacted by the full effects of a hurricane.

    When was the last derecho in Wisconsin? ›

    On the evening of Friday, July 19, 2019, a derecho storm hit northeastern Wisconsin.

    What was the scariest tornado in history? ›

    This article lists various tornado records. The most "extreme" tornado in recorded history was the Tri-State tornado, which spread through parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana on March 18, 1925.

    How often does Wisconsin get tornadoes? ›

    While not in an especially tornado-heavy part of the United States, Wisconsin still experiences, on average, 23 tornadoes per year. The high winds and severe storms that can accompany tornadoes pose serious health hazards to the people of Wisconsin.

    What is the best state to avoid tornadoes? ›

    Anchorage, Alaska. Anchorage is the safest place to avoid natural disaster in the entire United States. It ranks in the top 1% of the country for its low risk of hurricanes, tornados, drought and cold or heat waves. It also has the lowest risk index rating for lightning, landslides and strong winds.

    Where do tornadoes occur not in the US? ›

    Where do tornadoes occur? Tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, including Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. Even New Zealand reports about 20 tornadoes each year. Two of the highest concentrations of tornadoes outside the U.S. are Argentina and Bangladesh.

    Has Hawaii ever had a tornado? ›

    The islands of Hawaii, situated in the Pacific Ocean, rarely experience tornadoes, averaging about one per year. The state ranks as the 48th most active in terms of touch downs, with 40 confirmed tornadoes since 1950. None of these tornadoes have caused loss of life and none exceeded F2 intensity.

    What state had the worst tornado ever? ›

    This article lists various tornado records. The most "extreme" tornado in recorded history was the Tri-State tornado, which spread through parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana on March 18, 1925.

    References

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