Strong to severe thunderstorms rolled through Wisconsin late Saturday night into Sunday, spawning two tornadoes in the western part of the state.

What You Need To Know


  • One tornado was confirmed in Pierce County

  • A second tornado was confirmed in Trempealeau County
  • Both tornadoes have been given an EF-1 rating

The first confirmed tornado touched down in Washington County, MN at 10:07PM on Saturday, July 18th. It then crossed over the St. Croix River into Pierce County, WI, two miles southwest of the town of River Falls.

 

 

The estimated wind speed was 100mph, categorizing this tornado as an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. It was on the ground for 9.5 miles and had an estimated width of 400 yards.

There were no injuries or fatalities reported as this tornado tore through the county, but extensive tree damage was found, including many trees snapped about halfway up to their tops. The worst damage was found on top of a bluff as the tornado crossed the St. Croix River. A few farm outbuildings also sustained damage.

The second tornado was confirmed in Trempealeau County near the town of Osseo. It formed around 12:50AM on Sunday, July 19th. The estimated wind speed with this tornado was 105mph, also categorizing it as an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.

 

 

The length of the tornado's path was 3.65 miles with a estimated path width of about 200 yards. No injuries or fatalities were reported, however, numerous trees were damaged or uprooted in northern Trempealeau County and several farm outbuildings also sustained damage, according to Trempealeau County Emergency Management.

These two tornadoes officially bring Wisconsin's statewide tornado count up to six for the year.