Tornadoes: Not all twisters are created equal
Discover how to tell different types of tornadoes apart, as well as, other rotating weather phenomena.
The National Weather Service has confirmed at least one tornado as part of Saturday night’s severe weather as crews survey more communities and cleanup efforts continue.
An EF-1 tornado with a peak wind of 105 mph hit Delavan in Walworth County around 8:22 p.m. Saturday night, according to a NWS report. Delavan is a few miles northwest of Williams Bay, where heavy damage was reported.
On Sunday, NWS crews were out assessing damage in areas including Argyle, Marshall, Janesville, Watertown, Walworth, Williams Bay, Sun Prairie and DeForest. More tornadoes, and details about them, are likely to be released later today or tomorrow.
That confirmation process “is going to take most of the day. We might even be into tomorrow,” NWS meteorologist Sarah Marquardt said.
As communities continue cleaning up damage, Marquardt said to stay away from flood waters, downed power lines and unsafe trees with loose branches.
Anyone with storm damage can report it to the NWS, including on their website, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Follow along for live updates throughout the day. Be sure to refresh your browser for the latest.
A Dave Matthews Band concert at Alpine Valley was rescheduled for June 30. The show was postponed on June 22 due to severe weather.
Tickets for June 22 will be honored for the new date. Anyone unable to attend can get refunds at the original point of sale.
As of 12 p.m. Sunday, there are several flood warnings in effect for Wisconsin rivers. There are several watches in areas where people should be prepared for possible flooding. The current areas under a warning include:
- Sugar River at Brodhead, affecting Rock, Green and Winnebago Counties
- Rock River at Afton, affecting Winnebago and Rock Counties
- Black Earth Creek at Black Earth, affecting Dane County
- Black Earth Creek at Mazomanie, affecting Dane County
- Sheboygan River at Sheboygan, affecting Sheboygan County.
- South Branch Rock River at Waupun, affecting Fond du Lac County
- Baraboo River near Baraboo, affecting Columbia and Sauk Counties
- Spring Creek at Lodi, affecting Columbia County
- Kickapoo River at Gays Mills and Soldiers Grove, affecting Crawford County
- Trempealeau River at Dodge, affecting Trempealeau and Buffalo Counties
- Black River at Black River Falls, affecting Jackson County
- Yellow River at Babcock, affecting Wood County
- Wisconsin River at Castle Rock Dam, affecting Juneau and Adams Counties
- Several areas along the Mississippi River, including La Crosse
Most flood deaths occur in vehicles, the NWS says, so turn around if you encounter flood waters while in your vehicle. The NWS also urges caution when walking near riverbanks.
“Even six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet and a depth of two feet will float your car. Never try to walk, swim, or drive through such swift water,” the NWS says.
In Williams Bay, located on Lake Geneva, several roads are still impassable. Theater Road remains closed to through traffic from Bailey Road to Woodlawn Drive.
Crews are working to clear them but need to wait to remove entangled power lines, the police department said in an update.
Gas and electric companies are working in the area, but there is limited information about the restoration timeline, the department said.
Barrett Memorial Library is open today for “battery charging and a place to refresh if needed.” The Williams Bay Dump Site is also open to residents who are removing tree debris.
There are no known injuries after a tornado in Janesville, deputy city manager Ryan McCue said at a Sunday morning press conference. The fire department rescued residents trapped in a basement in one household Saturday night.
Emergency management partners are currently doing drone assessments in the affected area, and building inspectors are going to affected properties on the ground, McCue said. Officials said MacFarlane Pheasants farm and the Township of Rock also had significant damage.
Officials believe some residents may be displaced, and overnight shelter will be available at The Salvation Army at 514 Sutherland Avenue.
While not typically open on Sunday, the city’s composting site is open until 4 p.m. Non-city residents are asked not to come, and Janesville residents must bring an ID.
Officials reminded residents to assume that wires that are down or tangled in trees are live, and not to touch them. Trees and utility poles can become conductors, and touching it can “potentially take a life.”
McCue said residents should not go to the dog park because of dangerous debris. Summer school classes at Jackson Elementary School are canceled tomorrow.
Residents are asked to look at the city’s Facebook page for updates, including information about cooling centers for upcoming hot weather. Alliant Energy says it could take up to two days to restore power, McCue said.
Janesville is also coordinating donations for storm damage recovery. People who want to make monetary donations can drop off cash or checks at ECHO, Inc. at 65 South High Street during regular business hours. Checks should include the memo line Janesville Storm Damage.
Donations of new, unused items can be dropped off at The Salvation Army Rock County at 514 Sutherland Avenue. Accepted items include:
- Bottled water
- Unperishable food items
- Totes
- Gloves
- Ziplock bags
- Sharpies
- Heavy duty tarps
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Formula
- Flashlights
- Contractor bags
- First aid kits
- Shovels
- Rakes
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
There are several road closures in the southern part of Janesville, according to the state Department of Transportation. Here’s a map of closures in the area.
U.S. 51 is closed in both directions, from Kellogg Avenue to State Highway 11/Avalon Road. State Highway 11 is also closed in both directions from Beloit Road to U.S. 51.
The week ahead could bring more thunderstorms to southeastern Wisconsin, according to the NWS’ forecasts.
On late Monday night, the chance for precipitation is 60%, with showers likely and a possible thunderstorm. Between a tenth and a quarter inch of rain could fall, with more amounts during thunderstorms.
Tuesday also has a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 90 degrees. That chance for precipitation will continue into Tuesday night.
As of 9 a.m., 1,154 We Energies customers were without power in parts of southeastern Wisconsin, including many in Watertown, Wilmot and the Lake Geneva area. Some customers in the Fox Cities were also affected.
That’s down from about 12,000 We Energies customers who were without power at 10 p.m. Saturday. We Energies customers can report a power outage online.
Alliant Energy reported 9,642 customers were without power in their service area, which includes parts of Iowa and Wisconsin. That’s down from about 20,000 without power last night. As of about 9 a.m., Lake Geneva had about 8,500 customers without power and Janesville had about 800.
In Janesville, it could take up to two days to restore power, city officials said. The company is bringing in help from Iowa.
Only a handful of Madison Gas and Electric customers in the Madison area were without power Sunday morning.
Mayor Rohn Bishop issued a disaster declaration after significant rainfall led to flooded streets Saturday night.
Most streets in the city had varying degrees of flooding with road closure Saturday night, the release said. Drivers were advised to stay off streets and people were advised to avoid areas with standing water.
Vehicles passing through standing water were causing additional flooding to homes in badly affected areas, the city said.
Department of Public Works crews were working to barricade roads. Drivers who ignore those barricades and choose to drive through standing water may be ticketed, the city added.
The city recommended people check basement sump pumps and move valuables to higher storage. Those experiencing damage were advised to take pictures and contact their insurance company to report damage.
More: Waupun declares disaster amid flooded streets and barricaded roads
Due to rising water, State 154 will be closed between County CH and Golf Course Road, according to a preliminary report from the NWS. That’s about a three mile stretch.
In Argyle — located in Lafayette County — a Lutheran church was “completely destroyed,” pastor Dan Bohlman wrote on the church’s website.
Bohlman said worship at Apple Grove was scheduled for 10 a.m. at the parish, and people would still gather to talk, share and pray unless it was raining.
An 8:30 a.m. service at Yellowstone Lutheran Church would be shortened to get to Apple Grove as quickly as possible.
“The good news is we are all safe and we continue to be the body of Christ and will through this time as well,” Bohlman wrote.
The City of Janesville says a reported tornado hit the south side of the city Saturday evening, causing “considerable damage to the structures and infrastructure.”
The city has set up a coordinated volunteer location at the old Rock County Jobs Center at 1900 Center Avenue, which will operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents looking for assistance can go to the facility to find people willing to help with property cleanup.
Several roads were closed last night due to a safety perimeter that included Center Avenue, Kellogg Avenue, Beloit Avenue and State Highway 11. Outside traffic was not allowed in, while residents within the perimeter were allowed to access the area.
The city will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. Sunday morning.
In Williams Bay, located along Geneva Lake, emergency responders conducted a house-to-house search to ensure the safety of residents. No weather-related injuries were reported, police chief Justin Timm said in a press release.
There were multiple reports of “extensive damage to homes and property” in the village. As of 12:30 a.m. Sunday morning, Williams Bay and neighboring communities did not have power, and Timm asked non-residents to avoid the area.
“Emergency responders will continue to remain in the area providing security for our residents and their property,” Timm said.
Wisconsin has already hit its yearly average of tornadoes this year, and more are likely to be added after this weekend.
Wisconsin hit the average of 23 tornadoes in May, with 16 occurring on May 21 alone. June is historically the month when most tornadoes occur in the state.
More: Wisconsin is already at yearly average of tornadoes in 2024
This story will be updated.
Elaine Hadley is a dedicated journalist covering the ever-evolving landscape of U.S. news. With a keen interest in politics and a commitment to uncovering the truth, she provides insightful commentary and in-depth analysis on domestic issues. When not reporting, Elaine enjoys exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of the United States.
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