Home / Disasters and Accidents / Rare February Tornado Strikes Wisconsin Farms
Rare February Tornado Strikes Wisconsin Farms
14 Apr
Summary
- A rare February tornado caused widespread destruction.
- Over 50,000 customers lost power during severe storms.
- National Weather Service issued multiple tornado warnings.
A rare February tornado inflicted significant damage on homes and farms in the vicinity of Evansville, Wisconsin. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for parts of Milwaukee, Washington, and Ozaukee counties early on April 14th, lasting until 2:15 a.m. Residents were urged to take immediate cover in basements or interior rooms of sturdy structures, emphasizing the danger of flying debris.
Severe thunderstorms accompanied the tornado threat, impacting several other counties, including Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Walworth, Racine, and Waukesha. As a result, approximately 50,000 We Energies customers experienced power outages around 2 a.m. The storm system carried 60 mph wind gusts, posing risks to roofs, siding, and trees, with potential for damage to mobile homes and vehicles.
Safety guidelines from the NWS stressed the importance of getting as low as possible, preferably in a basement, and putting as many walls as possible between oneself and the outdoors. During a tornado warning, individuals driving were advised not to outrun the storm but to seek sturdy shelter. A tornado warning signifies an imminent danger, while a tornado watch indicates conditions are favorable for tornado formation, prompting preparedness.
