Madison, WI Natural Disasters and Weather Extremes
Hot Rankings
The chance of earthquake damage in Madison is about the same as Wisconsin average and is much lower than the national average. The risk of tornado damage in Madison is much higher than Wisconsin average and is much higher than the national average.
Earthquake Index, #180
| Madison, WI | 0.01 |
| Wisconsin | 0.00 |
| U.S. | 1.81 |
The earthquake index value is calculated based on historical earthquake events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the earthquake level in a region. A higher earthquake index value means a higher chance of an earthquake.
Volcano Index, #1
| Madison, WI | 0.0000 |
| Wisconsin | 0.0000 |
| U.S. | 0.0023 |
The volcano index value is calculated based on the currently known volcanoes using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the possibility of a region being affected by a possible volcano eruption. A higher volcano index value means a higher chance of being affected.
Tornado Index, #74
| Madison, WI | 247.04 |
| Wisconsin | 153.98 |
| U.S. | 136.45 |
The tornado index value is calculated based on historical tornado events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the tornado level in a region. A higher tornado index value means a higher chance of tornado events.
Other Weather Extremes Events
A total of 4,057 other weather extremes events within 50 miles of Madison, WI were recorded from 1950 to 2010. The following is a break down of these events:
| Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count |
| Avalanche: | 0 | Blizzard: | 14 | Cold: | 64 | Dense Fog: | 93 | Drought: | 55 |
| Dust Storm: | 0 | Flood: | 205 | Hail: | 960 | Heat: | 45 | Heavy Snow: | 105 |
| High Surf: | 0 | Hurricane: | 0 | Ice Storm: | 25 | Landslide: | 0 | Strong Wind: | 72 |
| Thunderstorm Winds: | 1,766 | Tropical Storm: | 0 | Wildfire: | 6 | Winter Storm: | 151 | Winter Weather: | 84 |
| Other: | 412 | ||||||||
Volcanos Nearby
No volcano is found in or near Madison, WI.
Historical Earthquake Events
No historical earthquake events that had recorded magnitudes of 3.5 or above found in or near Madison, WI.
No historical earthquake events found in or near Madison, WI.
Historical Tornado Events
A total of 86 historical tornado events that had recorded magnitude of 2 or above found in or near Madison, WI.
| Distance (miles) | Date | Magnitude | Start Lat/Log | End Lat/Log | Length | Width | Fatalities | Injuries | Property Damage | Crop Damage | Affected County |
| 2.6 | 1967-08-02 | 3 | 43°08'N / 89°27'W | 43°07'N / 89°26'W | 2 | 5 | 25K | 0 | Dane | ||
| 4.1 | 1968-04-20 | 2 | 43°06'N / 89°21'W | 0.10 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Dane | |
| 8.4 | 1988-05-08 | 2 | 43°10'N / 89°20'W | 43°15'N / 89°34'W | 7.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 1 | 25K | 0 | Dane |
| 9.6 | 1992-06-17 | 3 | 42°53'N / 89°32'W | 43°01'N / 89°16'W | 16.00 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 30 | 25.0M | 0 | Dane |
| 10.1 | 1976-07-30 | 2 | 43°14'N / 89°27'W | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Dane | |||
| 10.8 | 1981-06-15 | 2 | 43°05'N / 89°13'W | 1.00 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Dane | |
| 11.9 | 1967-06-11 | 2 | 43°11'N / 89°16'W | 43°12'N / 89°13'W | 1.30 Miles | 10 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Dane |
| 13.0 | 1963-09-02 | 2 | 43°10'N / 89°53'W | 43°11'N / 89°26'W | 22.50 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 1 | 0K | 0 | Iowa |
| 13.8 | 1984-06-08 | 2 | 43°15'N / 89°20'W | 43°17'N / 89°17'W | 3.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Dane |
| 14.0 | 1984-06-07 | 5 | 43°05'N / 89°50'W | 43°17'N / 89°31'W | 26.00 Miles | 450 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Columbia |
| 14.2 | 1985-05-30 | 2 | 42°55'N / 89°49'W | 42°57'N / 89°25'W | 21.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Dane |
| 14.7 | 2005-08-18 | 3 | 42°55'N / 89°26'W | 42°56'N / 89°03'W | 17.00 Miles | 600 Yards | 1 | 23 | 34.3M | 750K | Dane |
| Brief Description: A strong and destructive tornado spun up at 1715CST about 2.8 miles southeast of the geographic center of Fitchburg (or 2.0 miles north of center of Oregon), about 400 yards southwest of the intersection of CTH MM and Schnieder Rd. It continued east-southeast to the southern edge of Lake Kegonsa and tore through residential neighborhoods about 1/3 to 1/2 mile north of CTH B (Civil Towns of Dunn and Pleasant Springs, and far-northern Stoughton). It moved over the crossing of CTH A with Interstate 90/39, and stayed close to CTH A to its exit point at 1905CST where CTH A crosses into Jefferson County, about 2.8 miles south-southwest of Rockdale. One person was crushed to death in their basement from fireplace and chimney bricks that crashed through the floor. Twenty-three (23) other people were directly injured. In addition, Emergency Management officials received reports of 2 other indirectly-related deaths associated with this strong tornado. In these two cases, the people were already very ill or suffering from a life-ending disease. Injuries they received during the tornado contributed (secondary) to their death, but were not the primary cause of death, based on medical examiner reports. Consequently, these additional two deaths do not appear in the official death tally in the header strip of this event. Numerous homes, businesses, farm buildings, vehicles, power-lines, trees, and other personal effects were either damaged or destroyed along its path that grew to a maximum width of about 600 yards north of Stoughton. As for residential structures, 220 sustained minor damage, 84 had major damage, and 69 were destroyed. As for business structures, 6 sustained minor damage, 1 had major damage, and 1 was destroyed. As for agricultural structures, 5 sustained minor damage, 5 had major damage, and 40 were destroyed. Total estimated damage amounts (directly-related) for private and public sectors combined was $35.06 M, broken down to $34.31 M in property damage and $750 K in crop losses, for the tornado segment in Dane County. This tornado was probably the 3rd most costly tornado in Wisconsin's recorded history (1996 Oakfield tornado and 1984 Barneveld tornadoes were more costly). The $34.31 M in property damage was broken down to private losses (total of 32.29 M) and public losses (total of $2.02 M), per Emergency Manager reports and NWS estimates. The private losses included a total of $25.45 M for residential structures, $1.29 M for businesses, $4.25 M for agricultural structures, $1.00 M for damage to vehicles, boats, and other personal effects, $200 K to agricultural machinery and tools, and $96 K in public road system damage. The public losses making up part of the $34.31 M consisted of $2.02 M in damage to public utility systems. The $750 K in damage attributed to crop losses occurred on an estimated 1,550 acres of land. Additional monetary costs incurred in the public sector (totaling $1.84 M) which are considered indirectly-related damage expenses, and not included in the "direct" totals listed in the header-strip of this event, include: $1.38 M in debris clearance, $308 K in protective measures, and miscellaneous damage/expenses of $144 K. Therefore, the grand total of direct and indirect damage amounts and expenses attributed to this tornado segment in Dane county totaled about $36.89 M. Just south of the tornado, extending out another mile or so, tree and power-line damage resulted from rear-flank downdraft damage - in some cases south to STH 51. This damage is separate from tornado damage, and isn't included in the numbers in previous sentences. Debris from this tornado was lofted by the parent's updraft and carried downstream to scattered locations in the counties of Jefferson, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha. This tornado was extensively photographed and video-taped by storm spotters (amateur radio operators, etc.), storm chasers, and private citizens. On occasions, this tornado displayed multiple-vortex characteristics. Due to partial back-building (to the west-southwest) of the supercell's updraft tower, this tornado moved slowly, and was described by some eyewitnesses and spotters as being nearly stationary at times north of Stoughton. The overall slow movement (supercell moved at 12-17 knots, or 10-15 mph), coupled with structures that were not thoroughly reinforced (based on NWS damage survey), allowed the tornado's cyclonic winds to more severely damage buildings in its path. Consequently, although some of the worst damage resembled what would be left by a F4 tornado for well-built homes, this tornado was rated at the top of the F3 category with estimated winds near 174 knots (200 mph). The F3 category has estimated wind speeds of 137-179 knots (158-206 mph). A sampling of newspaper headlines and personal quotes included: "The Sky Just Exploded," "Hard to Believe There Weren't More Deaths," "New Technology Lowers Tornado Deaths," "Counting Losses, Blessings," "It Was Probably The Most Intense Storm In The Country This Year," "It's a Mess Out Here," and "I've Never Experienced Anything Like This." The tornado cut electrical power for 1700 customers in the Stoughton area. The estimated average path length was about 175 yards. M54PH The largest single-day tornado outbreak in Wisconsin recorded history for south-central and southeast Wisconsin occurred on August 18, 2005. Sixteen tornadoes were documented on this day in south-central and southeast Wisconsin, a new single-day record. A line of supercells developed and pushed across south-central Wisconsin during the afternoon hours, and then pushed east across southeast Wisconsin during the evening hours. Most of the tornadoes were associated with two supercells. One main supercell tracked across Sauk County and then into Columbia, producing one F0 and one F2 tornado. The F2 tornado crossed into Columbia County. Another main supercell produced an F3 tornado that devastated the area north of city of Stoughton (Dane Co.), and a weaker F1 tornado just south of the city of Rockdale (Dane Co.). This supercell then tracked into southwestern Jefferson County a short time later, producing two F0 tornadoes and four F1 tornadoes. The sixteen (16) tornadoes contributed largely to both the new state record of 27 tornadoes on a single day, and 62 tornadoes for a calendar year. In additiion, there were scattered reports of funnel clouds, damaging straight-line, downburst winds, and large hail across south-central and southeast Wisconsin. The total direct damage estimate for the afternoon and evening tornado and severe weather outbreak in south-central and southeast Wisconsin on August 18th was about $36.6 M ($35.7 property and $948 K crop). Additional indirect costs totaled almost $1.9 M, resulting in a total direct and direct cost of about $38.5 M. Synoptically, a surface low pressure system was located over extreme southeast Minnesota early in the afternoon. A warm front extended east southeast from the low with dew points pooling in the lower 70s along it. The surface low moved east into east central Wisconsin by 2100CST that evening. Favorable wind shear associated with the warm front, combined with the strong instability supplied by the heat and humidity, helped to produce numerous tornadic supercells. | |||||||||||
| 15.3 | 1975-06-04 | 3 | 43°14'N / 89°14'W | 43°14'N / 89°10'W | 2.30 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Dane |
| 15.6 | 1955-04-18 | 2 | 42°53'N / 89°35'W | 42°51'N / 89°24'W | 9.20 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Dane |
| 16.0 | 1969-06-04 | 2 | 43°04'N / 89°10'W | 43°02'N / 89°04'W | 4.90 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Dane |
| 16.3 | 1954-07-30 | 2 | 43°19'N / 89°35'W | 43°19'N / 89°26'W | 7.10 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Columbia |
| 17.4 | 1963-08-16 | 3 | 43°18'N / 89°43'W | 43°18'N / 89°31'W | 9.60 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 13 | 250K | 0 | Columbia |
| 17.4 | 1963-08-16 | 3 | 43°18'N / 89°43'W | 43°18'N / 89°31'W | 9.60 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 13 | 250K | 0 | Columbia |
| 17.4 | 1963-08-16 | 3 | 43°18'N / 89°43'W | 43°18'N / 89°31'W | 9.60 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 13 | 250K | 0 | Columbia |
| 17.7 | 1988-05-08 | 2 | 42°53'N / 89°18'W | 42°59'N / 89°00'W | 16.00 Miles | 173 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Dane |
| 18.3 | 1991-03-27 | 2 | 42°50'N / 89°24'W | 42°49'N / 89°22'W | 4.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Green |
| 18.9 | 1991-03-27 | 2 | 42°49'N / 89°22'W | 42°51'N / 89°13'W | 7.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Rock |
| 19.0 | 1970-10-09 | 2 | 42°51'N / 89°10'W | 42°54'N / 89°13'W | 3.30 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Dane |
| 19.2 | 2005-08-18 | 2 | 43°21'N / 89°41'W | 43°19'N / 89°32'W | 3.40 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 10K | 10K | Columbia |
| Brief Description: This tornado was a continuation of the "Leland" F2 Sauk County tornado that passed through the Badger Ammunition Plant grounds. It crossed into Columbia County from Sauk County at 1655CST about 5.4 miles west of Okee, or 1.2 miles northwest of the intersection of Gastrow Road and STH 188. This tornado headed east-southeast for 3.4 miles, while weakening, and ended at 1703CST about 3.2 miles southeast of Okee, or 0.2 mile southeast of the intersection of CTH J and Occonor Road. Some tree, power-line, and crop damage was noted, resulting in a F1 damage rating in Columbia County. Average path width was about 125 yards. The largest single-day tornado outbreak in Wisconsin recorded history for south-central and southeast Wisconsin occurred on August 18, 2005. Sixteen tornadoes were documented on this day in south-central and southeast Wisconsin, a new single-day record. A line of supercells developed and pushed across south-central Wisconsin during the afternoon hours, and then pushed east across southeast Wisconsin during the evening hours. Most of the tornadoes were associated with two supercells. One main supercell tracked across Sauk County and then into Columbia, producing one F0 and one F2 tornado. The F2 tornado crossed into Columbia County. Another main supercell produced an F3 tornado that devastated the area north of city of Stoughton (Dane Co.), and a weaker F1 tornado just south of the city of Rockdale (Dane Co.). This supercell then tracked into southwestern Jefferson County a short time later, producing two F0 tornadoes and four F1 tornadoes. The sixteen (16) tornadoes contributed largely to both the new state record of 27 tornadoes on a single day, and 62 tornadoes for a calendar year. In additiion, there were scattered reports of funnel clouds, damaging straight-line, downburst winds, and large hail across south-central and southeast Wisconsin. The total direct damage estimate for the afternoon and evening tornado and severe weather outbreak in south-central and southeast Wisconsin on August 18th was about $36.6 M ($35.7 property and $948 K crop). Additional indirect costs totaled almost $1.9 M, resulting in a total direct and direct cost of about $38.5 M. Synoptically, a surface low pressure system was located over extreme southeast Minnesota early in the afternoon. A warm front extended east southeast from the low with dew points pooling in the lower 70s along it. The surface low moved east into east central Wisconsin by 2100CST that evening. Favorable wind shear associated with the warm front, combined with the strong instability supplied by the heat and humidity, helped to produce numerous tornadic supercells. | |||||||||||
| 19.3 | 1988-05-08 | 2 | 42°48'N / 89°21'W | 42°51'N / 89°15'W | 5.00 Miles | 173 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Rock |
| 20.3 | 1960-11-15 | 2 | 42°47'N / 89°20'W | 42°50'N / 89°17'W | 3.00 Miles | 67 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Rock |
| 21.1 | 1991-03-27 | 2 | 42°51'N / 89°13'W | 42°57'N / 88°59'W | 12.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 1 | 5 | 2.5M | 0 | Dane |
| 21.2 | 1994-07-04 | 2 | 43°18'N / 89°45'W | 43°22'N / 89°37'W | 8.00 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 5.0M | 500K | Sauk |
| 22.0 | 1984-06-08 | 2 | 43°20'N / 89°22'W | 43°27'N / 89°14'W | 16.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Columbia |
| 22.7 | 1954-07-30 | 2 | 43°19'N / 89°26'W | 43°29'N / 89°09'W | 18.10 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Pierce |
| 23.2 | 1969-06-29 | 2 | 42°54'N / 89°52'W | 42°56'N / 89°47'W | 3.80 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Iowa |
| 24.1 | 1984-06-08 | 2 | 43°17'N / 89°17'W | 43°28'N / 89°02'W | 15.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Columbia |
| 24.5 | 1984-06-07 | 5 | 42°58'N / 89°59'W | 43°05'N / 89°50'W | 10.00 Miles | 450 Yards | 9 | 200 | 250K | 0 | Iowa |
| 24.7 | 1988-05-08 | 2 | 42°59'N / 89°00'W | 43°03'N / 88°54'W | 6.00 Miles | 173 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Jefferson |
| 26.1 | 2005-08-18 | 2 | 43°22'N / 89°54'W | 43°21'N / 89°41'W | 11.10 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 600K | 20K | Sauk |
| Brief Description: This tornado spun up from the same supercell thunderstorm that spawned the "Viola" tornado earlier in Vernon and Richland counties. This Sauk County tornado spun up at 1633CST about 3.6 miles northeast of Leland, or about 1/4 mile south of the intersection of Ruff and Pine Hollow Roads. The tornado headed east-southeast for about 11.1 miles in Sauk County, and crossed the Columbia County line at 1655CST about 4.5 miles north-northeast of Prairie du Sac, between Wiegans Bay and a boat launch site. This tornado crossed CTH C about 0.5 mile west of Stones Pocket Road, and moved through old Badger Ammunition Plant just south of the greatest density of roads within the Plant grounds. This rain-wrapped tornado was video taped and photographed, and damaged many structures, trees, and power-lines. As for residential buildings, 10 received minor damage, 1 had major damage, and one was destroyed. One business building had minor damage. As for agricultural buildings, 5 received minor damage, and 6 were destroyed. This tornado was rated an F2 with estimated winds of 98-136 knots (113-157 mph). Average path width was about 150 yards. The largest single-day tornado outbreak in Wisconsin recorded history for south-central and southeast Wisconsin occurred on August 18, 2005. Sixteen tornadoes were documented on this day in south-central and southeast Wisconsin, a new single-day record. A line of supercells developed and pushed across south-central Wisconsin during the afternoon hours, and then pushed east across southeast Wisconsin during the evening hours. Most of the tornadoes were associated with two supercells. One main supercell tracked across Sauk County and then into Columbia, producing one F0 and one F2 tornado. The F2 tornado crossed into Columbia County. Another main supercell produced an F3 tornado that devastated the area north of city of Stoughton (Dane Co.), and a weaker F1 tornado just south of the city of Rockdale (Dane Co.). This supercell then tracked into southwestern Jefferson County a short time later, producing two F0 tornadoes and four F1 tornadoes. The sixteen (16) tornadoes contributed largely to both the new state record of 27 tornadoes on a single day, and 62 tornadoes for a calendar year. In additiion, there were scattered reports of funnel clouds, damaging straight-line, downburst winds, and large hail across south-central and southeast Wisconsin. The total direct damage estimate for the afternoon and evening tornado and severe weather outbreak in south-central and southeast Wisconsin on August 18th was about $36.6 M ($35.7 property and $948 K crop). Additional indirect costs totaled almost $1.9 M, resulting in a total direct and direct cost of about $38.5 M. Synoptically, a surface low pressure system was located over extreme southeast Minnesota early in the afternoon. A warm front extended east southeast from the low with dew points pooling in the lower 70s along it. The surface low moved east into east central Wisconsin by 2100CST that evening. Favorable wind shear associated with the warm front, combined with the strong instability supplied by the heat and humidity, helped to produce numerous tornadic supercells. | |||||||||||
| 26.8 | 1970-10-09 | 2 | 42°43'N / 89°02'W | 42°51'N / 89°10'W | 11.10 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Rock |
| 27.1 | 1998-06-25 | 2 | 42°45'N / 89°11'W | 42°45'N / 89°08'W | 2.50 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 845K | 3K | Rock |
| Brief Description: Severe thunderstorms packing winds between 60 and 70 mph and producing hail between 1 and 2 inches in diameter caused significant damage to property and crops. Kenosha and Racine counties experienced some of the worst destruction with 40,000 homes and businesses left without power due to the high number of trees and power lines downed. In the city of Racine a tree fell on a home and another tree crushed an automobile. In Kenosha county, siding was ripped off the side of a Bristol business and metal signs were blown down on Interstate 94. Hidden among the thunderstorms was a lone F2 tornado that took aim on northern Rock county, destroying 3 homes and damaging 4 others. A barn and 2 sheds were also destoyed. Three garages and 3 cars were damaged and a 20 foot beam was found anchored in the ground at a 45-degree angle in the storms aftermath. Fortunately there were no deaths or injuries. This tornado touched down just southwest of a railroad track 2.3 miles west/northwest of Leyden and lifted just east of Highway 184, 1 mile north/northeast of Leyden. Eyewitness reports suggest that this slow moving tornado had a second vortex at one time, and at another time it was nearly stationary for a couple minutes. The slow movement enhanced the destruction. At least 3 individuals video-taped it. Maximum winds were estimated to be about 150 mph. | |||||||||||
| 28.3 | 1991-03-27 | 2 | 42°57'N / 88°59'W | 43°00'N / 88°48'W | 9.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Jefferson |
| 31.4 | 1951-09-26 | 4 | 43°28'N / 89°15'W | 43°32'N / 89°05'W | 9.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 1 | 9 | 250K | 0 | Columbia |
| 31.7 | 2008-06-07 | 2 | 43°31'N / 89°15'W | 43°30'N / 89°06'W | 9.00 Miles | 3520 Yards | 0 | 6 | 2.5M | 500K | Columbia |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: This tornado was extremely wide since the thunderstorm cloud base was very low and the meso-cyclone that is usually aloft was well-formed all the way to the ground. Within a broad 1 to 2 mile wide area of EF0 to EF1 damage, there were several small swaths of EF2 damage due to multiple votices. The accompanying graphic shows this effect. With respect to residential homes this tornado resulted in very minor damage to 150, minor damage to 30, major damage to 10, and 2 were destroyed (total residential damage of $2 million). With respect to agricultural buildings ($500K in total damage), this tornado resulted in minor damage to 20, and major damage to 2 buildings (inlcuding silos). Tens of thousands of trees were uprooted or chewed-up, and many power-lines and power-poles were either toppled or damaged. About 4000 to 6000 trees on a tree farm were destroyed at a location about 3 miles east-southeast of Pardeeville. This tree-farm loss was treated as a crop loss. Additionally, some corn and soybean crops were damaged. This tornado started just southeast of the intersection of CTH P and Pardeeville Road, and moved southeastward for about 4 miles and then traveled east-southeast to end just northeast of the western intersection of STH 146 and CTH A. The specific starting point and ending point lat/long numbers were 43.53333/-89.26306 and 43.49556/-89.09878, respectively. Additional mid-point pairs of number include: 43.51603/-8922394, 43.50728/-89.20151, and 43.50208/-89.17679. DI#24 (ELT), DOD4. The wind speeds were estimated at about 120 mph. Average path length was about 1760 yards (1 mile). EPISODE NARRATIVE: A slow-moving surface boundary, nearly parallel with the mid-level flow affected southern Wisconsin during the period of June 7th through June 9th. A strengthening low-level jet and strong moisture advection produced several rounds of thunderstorms during the period in the vicinity of this boundary. The atmosphere was very moist with precipitable water values around 2 inches. Low to mid-level wind flow supported training of flood-producing thunderstorms. There was sufficient vertical wind shear to allow for supercell development that resulted in 10 tornadoes spinning up in south-central and southeast Wisconsin on June 7th. A weak cool front pushed through southern Wisconsin late on the 8th/early on the 9th, finally ending the heavy rainfall. During the evening of June 7th, several roads near STH 89 south of Columbus were washed out. STH 16 east of Columbus closed on June 8th due to high waters. A state-of-emergency was declared in Milwaukee County the evening of June 7th due to widespread flash flooding, and Milwaukee Mitchell Field was close for several hours due to high water levels. | |||||||||||
| 31.9 | 1955-04-18 | 2 | 42°50'N / 90°08'W | 43°02'N / 89°55'W | 17.30 Miles | 67 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Iowa |
| 32.0 | 1967-01-24 | 3 | 42°36'N / 89°22'W | 42°45'N / 88°55'W | 24.90 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Green |
| 32.2 | 1965-04-11 | 2 | 43°02'N / 88°53'W | 43°12'N / 88°42'W | 14.50 Miles | 1320 Yards | 3 | 28 | 2.5M | 0 | Jefferson |
| 33.4 | 1969-06-12 | 2 | 42°37'N / 89°35'W | 0.30 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Green | |
| 34.2 | 1965-05-15 | 2 | 42°55'N / 90°04'W | 1.00 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 1 | 25K | 0 | Iowa | |
| 34.4 | 1963-09-02 | 2 | 42°43'N / 89°59'W | 42°43'N / 89°47'W | 9.90 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Lafayette |
| 34.4 | 1967-04-16 | 3 | 42°31'N / 89°56'W | 42°45'N / 89°29'W | 27.80 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Lafayette |
| 34.6 | 1966-08-15 | 2 | 43°34'N / 89°35'W | 43°36'N / 89°29'W | 4.90 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Columbia |
| 35.2 | 1979-06-09 | 2 | 42°36'N / 89°38'W | 2.50 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 5 | 250K | 0 | Green | |
| 35.2 | 1966-08-15 | 2 | 43°25'N / 90°08'W | 43°34'N / 89°35'W | 29.30 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Sauk |
| 35.5 | 1984-06-08 | 3 | 43°27'N / 89°14'W | 43°38'N / 88°58'W | 23.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 1 | 2.5M | 0 | Columbia |
| 35.9 | 1980-04-07 | 3 | 43°29'N / 88°58'W | 1.20 Miles | 67 Yards | 0 | 4 | 250K | 0 | Dodge | |
| 36.2 | 1981-06-15 | 2 | 42°53'N / 88°56'W | 43°03'N / 88°32'W | 23.10 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 3 | 250K | 0 | Jefferson |
| 36.5 | 1983-07-03 | 4 | 42°58'N / 90°08'W | 0.50 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Iowa | |
| 38.2 | 1961-09-22 | 2 | 42°46'N / 88°50'W | 42°48'N / 88°46'W | 3.60 Miles | 220 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Rock |
| 38.5 | 1980-06-05 | 3 | 43°08'N / 88°46'W | 43°04'N / 88°34'W | 10.70 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Jefferson |
| 38.8 | 1980-06-05 | 2 | 43°12'N / 88°42'W | 43°07'N / 88°38'W | 6.20 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Jefferson |
| 39.9 | 1961-09-22 | 2 | 42°48'N / 88°46'W | 42°50'N / 88°42'W | 3.30 Miles | 220 Yards | 0 | 1 | 25K | 0 | Walworth |
| 40.4 | 1984-06-08 | 2 | 43°26'N / 88°56'W | 43°30'N / 88°42'W | 11.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 1 | 2.5M | 0 | Dodge |
| 40.6 | 1980-04-07 | 2 | 43°28'N / 88°57'W | 43°30'N / 88°43'W | 11.50 Miles | 70 Yards | 0 | 16 | 2.5M | 0 | Dodge |
| 40.9 | 1986-09-28 | 2 | 42°52'N / 88°44'W | 42°55'N / 88°36'W | 9.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 1 | 2.5M | 0 | Jefferson |
| 41.3 | 1989-06-26 | 2 | 43°25'N / 90°07'W | 0.30 Mile | 73 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Sauk | |
| 42.0 | 1965-05-25 | 2 | 43°32'N / 90°00'W | 0.30 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 8 | 25K | 0 | Sauk | |
| 42.2 | 1980-04-07 | 2 | 43°21'N / 88°47'W | 43°28'N / 88°39'W | 10.20 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Dodge |
| 42.3 | 1984-06-07 | 2 | 42°48'N / 90°14'W | 42°52'N / 90°09'W | 5.00 Miles | 40 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Iowa |
| 42.7 | 1956-04-03 | 2 | 43°06'N / 90°15'W | 43°09'N / 90°18'W | 3.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Iowa |
| 43.2 | 1958-05-31 | 2 | 42°43'N / 90°09'W | 42°44'N / 90°06'W | 1.30 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Lafayette |
| 43.6 | 1985-05-30 | 2 | 42°55'N / 90°25'W | 43°00'N / 90°08'W | 14.20 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Iowa |
| 43.6 | 1971-11-01 | 2 | 42°31'N / 89°03'W | 42°33'N / 88°59'W | 3.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Rock |
| 44.4 | 1980-06-05 | 3 | 43°04'N / 88°34'W | 43°03'N / 88°32'W | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Waukesha | ||
| 44.9 | 1954-04-07 | 2 | 43°08'N / 90°23'W | 43°10'N / 90°15'W | 6.40 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 4 | 25K | 0 | Iowa |
| 45.4 | 1988-05-08 | 3 | 42°35'N / 90°14'W | 42°43'N / 89°58'W | 16.00 Miles | 123 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Lafayette |
| 46.5 | 1984-06-08 | 3 | 43°38'N / 88°58'W | 43°43'N / 88°59'W | 6.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Green Lake |
| 46.7 | 1959-10-08 | 2 | 43°12'N / 88°31'W | 1.00 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Waukesha | |
| 46.9 | 1955-04-18 | 2 | 42°45'N / 88°40'W | 42°45'N / 88°35'W | 3.30 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Walworth |
| 47.0 | 1963-06-08 | 2 | 43°21'N / 88°36'W | 43°19'N / 88°31'W | 4.10 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Dodge |
| 47.1 | 2004-06-23 | 3 | 43°40'N / 88°57'W | 43°39'N / 88°53'W | 4.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 1 | 1 | 675K | 300K | Green Lake |
| Brief Description: A strong tornado spun up about a mile directly east of Lake Maria in southeastern Green Lake County, or about 4.2 miles SSE of Markesan, moved east along Sunny Drive with F3 strength (estimated 175-200), and exited Green Lake County along Mielke Rd., or about 6.8 miles SE of Markesan. Numerous trees were uprooted. At least 8 homes or ag-buildings had minor damage, at least 5 homes or ag-buildings had major damage, and at least 5 homes or ag-buildings were destroyed. Near the intersection of Sunny Drive and Pleasant Drive, two people and most basement items were "sucked" out of their home's basement while the home was being destroyed. The husband was found dead and his wife was critically injured. Average path width was about 275 yards. M53PH Two rounds of severe weather affected parts of south-central and southeast Wisconsin on June 23rd, with the second round featuring 8 tornadoes, large hail (up to golf-ball size), and powerful straight-line downburst winds. A warm front moving north through the area resulted in favorable vertical wind shear to allow for supercell development. The 1st round of severe weather was due to a broken line of intense thunderstorms moving across Walworth, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties. Hail of up to 1 inch in diameter and torrential rainfall accompanied these storms before they moved over Lake Michigan and weakened. The 2nd round of severe weather was dominated by 2 cyclic supercells - one moved east/southeast through Marquette, Green Lake, Fond du Lac, and Washington Counties, spinning up 5 separate tornadoes, dumping hail stones up to 3 inches in diameter, and hurricane-force downburst winds. The large hail dented several vehicles. Two of these were rated F3. Refer to the individual tornado reports for more details. A more southerly supercell tracked across extreme southern Sauk County and then made a partial right turn and headed southeast through Dane County, spinning up 2 tornadoes in the process, as well as large hail and downburst winds. One powerful downburst wind in Madison (Dane Co.) blew equipment off the roof of a business at the Midvale Shopping Mall. A semi southwest of Ft. Atkinson was blown over by straight-line wind gusts. This southern supercell eventually spun up another tornado in south-central Jefferson County which moved into north-central Walworth County. Refer to the individual tornado reports for more details. Both supercells had downbursts that generated large hail and powerful, hurricane-force winds north and south of their tracks. Over all of Wisconsin, 16 tornadoes were documented on June 23rd, which is the 4th highest single-day total (record is 24 on May 8, 1988). For south-central and southeast Wisconsin, the 8 tornadoes on June 23rd was tied for the 4th highest single-day total (record is 11 on May 8, 1988). | |||||||||||
| 47.2 | 2004-06-23 | 3 | 43°43'N / 89°02'W | 43°39'N / 88°54'W | 9.40 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 1.4M | 500K | Green Lake |
| Brief Description: A strong tornado spun up near the intersection of STH 73 and CTH H, about 2 miles north of the village of Manchester. It increased its strength to F3 (estimated 175-200 mph) as it moved southeast across the southern part of the city of Markesan. Numerous trees were uprooted. At least 18 homes or ag-buildings had minor damage, at least 9 homes or ag-buildings had major damage, and at least 21 homes or ag-buildings were destroyed. This tornado exited Green Lake County at a point 6.4 miles southeast of Markesan, just south of Lake Maria Rd., and continued southeast through Fond du Lac County. The responsible supercell also spun up different tornadoes earlier in Adams and Marquette Counties. Newspaper headline: "A Day Like No Other." Average path width was about 350 yards. Two rounds of severe weather affected parts of south-central and southeast Wisconsin on June 23rd, with the second round featuring 8 tornadoes, large hail (up to golf-ball size), and powerful straight-line downburst winds. A warm front moving north through the area resulted in favorable vertical wind shear to allow for supercell development. The 1st round of severe weather was due to a broken line of intense thunderstorms moving across Walworth, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties. Hail of up to 1 inch in diameter and torrential rainfall accompanied these storms before they moved over Lake Michigan and weakened. The 2nd round of severe weather was dominated by 2 cyclic supercells - one moved east/southeast through Marquette, Green Lake, Fond du Lac, and Washington Counties, spinning up 5 separate tornadoes, dumping hail stones up to 3 inches in diameter, and hurricane-force downburst winds. The large hail dented several vehicles. Two of these were rated F3. Refer to the individual tornado reports for more details. A more southerly supercell tracked across extreme southern Sauk County and then made a partial right turn and headed southeast through Dane County, spinning up 2 tornadoes in the process, as well as large hail and downburst winds. One powerful downburst wind in Madison (Dane Co.) blew equipment off the roof of a business at the Midvale Shopping Mall. A semi southwest of Ft. Atkinson was blown over by straight-line wind gusts. This southern supercell eventually spun up another tornado in south-central Jefferson County which moved into north-central Walworth County. Refer to the individual tornado reports for more details. Both supercells had downbursts that generated large hail and powerful, hurricane-force winds north and south of their tracks. Over all of Wisconsin, 16 tornadoes were documented on June 23rd, which is the 4th highest single-day total (record is 24 on May 8, 1988). For south-central and southeast Wisconsin, the 8 tornadoes on June 23rd was tied for the 4th highest single-day total (record is 11 on May 8, 1988). | |||||||||||
| 47.5 | 1980-06-06 | 2 | 42°49'N / 88°34'W | 0.30 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Walworth | |
| 47.8 | 1969-06-29 | 2 | 42°36'N / 90°14'W | 42°39'N / 90°02'W | 10.40 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Lafayette |
| 48.5 | 1984-06-07 | 2 | 42°44'N / 90°20'W | 42°48'N / 90°14'W | 6.00 Miles | 40 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Lafayette |
| 48.7 | 2004-06-23 | 2 | 43°49'N / 89°29'W | 43°46'N / 89°16'W | 11.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 1.0M | 500K | Marquette |
| Brief Description: A strong tornado spun up about a half-mile east of Interstate 39/STH 51, near the intersection of Fawn Ct. and CTH M, or 3.5 NNW of Packwaukee. This tornado increased to F2 strength (estimated 140-150 mph) as it tore east/southeast through the southern part of Montello. Numerous trees were uprooted. Four homes were destroyed, 25 sustained major damage, and 142 had minor damage. In addition, 9 agricultural buildings were damaged or destroyed. The tornado ended in a swampy, Fox River bottom-land area about 4 miles southeast of Montello (1 mile short of the county line and south of CTH C and east STH 22). The responsible supercell also spun up a different tornado earlier in Adams County. Prop damage estimated at $1.0 M. Average path width was about 175 yards. Two rounds of severe weather affected parts of south-central and southeast Wisconsin on June 23rd, with the second round featuring 8 tornadoes, large hail (up to golf-ball size), and powerful straight-line downburst winds. A warm front moving north through the area resulted in favorable vertical wind shear to allow for supercell development. The 1st round of severe weather was due to a broken line of intense thunderstorms moving across Walworth, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties. Hail of up to 1 inch in diameter and torrential rainfall accompanied these storms before they moved over Lake Michigan and weakened. The 2nd round of severe weather was dominated by 2 cyclic supercells - one moved east/southeast through Marquette, Green Lake, Fond du Lac, and Washington Counties, spinning up 5 separate tornadoes, dumping hail stones up to 3 inches in diameter, and hurricane-force downburst winds. The large hail dented several vehicles. Two of these were rated F3. Refer to the individual tornado reports for more details. A more southerly supercell tracked across extreme southern Sauk County and then made a partial right turn and headed southeast through Dane County, spinning up 2 tornadoes in the process, as well as large hail and downburst winds. One powerful downburst wind in Madison (Dane Co.) blew equipment off the roof of a business at the Midvale Shopping Mall. A semi southwest of Ft. Atkinson was blown over by straight-line wind gusts. This southern supercell eventually spun up another tornado in south-central Jefferson County which moved into north-central Walworth County. Refer to the individual tornado reports for more details. Both supercells had downbursts that generated large hail and powerful, hurricane-force winds north and south of their tracks. Over all of Wisconsin, 16 tornadoes were documented on June 23rd, which is the 4th highest single-day total (record is 24 on May 8, 1988). For south-central and southeast Wisconsin, the 8 tornadoes on June 23rd was tied for the 4th highest single-day total (record is 11 on May 8, 1988). | |||||||||||
| 48.7 | 1951-07-03 | 2 | 43°29'N / 90°14'W | 0.50 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Richland | |
| 48.8 | 2004-06-23 | 3 | 43°38'N / 88°51'W | 43°39'N / 88°48'W | 3.60 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 1.6M | 300K | Fond Du Lac |
| Brief Description: This tornado was a continuation of the tornado that moved east from the Lake Maria area of extreme southeastern Green Lake County. It maintained its F3 strength (175-200 mph) and moved east along Marshview Rd, only to merge with the F3 tornado moving east/southeast out of the Markesan area of southeast Green Lake County. The merger took place just east of a dogleg/bend of Oak Grove Rd., about 2.2 miles SSW of Alto. The civil Town of Alto reported that 8 residential homes had major damage. Four farms were affected with a tally of 8 ag-buildings/homes with minor damage, 19 with major damage, and 16 destroyed. Crop damage was severe. Public sector damage (roads/bridges) was about $100K. Average path width was about 275 yards. Two rounds of severe weather affected parts of south-central and southeast Wisconsin on June 23rd, with the second round featuring 8 tornadoes, large hail (up to golf-ball size), and powerful straight-line downburst winds. A warm front moving north through the area resulted in favorable vertical wind shear to allow for supercell development. The 1st round of severe weather was due to a broken line of intense thunderstorms moving across Walworth, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties. Hail of up to 1 inch in diameter and torrential rainfall accompanied these storms before they moved over Lake Michigan and weakened. The 2nd round of severe weather was dominated by 2 cyclic supercells - one moved east/southeast through Marquette, Green Lake, Fond du Lac, and Washington Counties, spinning up 5 separate tornadoes, dumping hail stones up to 3 inches in diameter, and hurricane-force downburst winds. The large hail dented several vehicles. Two of these were rated F3. Refer to the individual tornado reports for more details. A more southerly supercell tracked across extreme southern Sauk County and then made a partial right turn and headed southeast through Dane County, spinning up 2 tornadoes in the process, as well as large hail and downburst winds. One powerful downburst wind in Madison (Dane Co.) blew equipment off the roof of a business at the Midvale Shopping Mall. A semi southwest of Ft. Atkinson was blown over by straight-line wind gusts. This southern supercell eventually spun up another tornado in south-central Jefferson County which moved into north-central Walworth County. Refer to the individual tornado reports for more details. Both supercells had downbursts that generated large hail and powerful, hurricane-force winds north and south of their tracks. Over all of Wisconsin, 16 tornadoes were documented on June 23rd, which is the 4th highest single-day total (record is 24 on May 8, 1988). For south-central and southeast Wisconsin, the 8 tornadoes on June 23rd was tied for the 4th highest single-day total (record is 11 on May 8, 1988). | |||||||||||
| 49.4 | 1958-10-08 | 2 | 42°25'N / 89°28'W | 42°25'N / 88°43'W | 38.10 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Stephenson |
| 49.5 | 2004-06-23 | 3 | 43°38'N / 88°51'W | 43°38'N / 88°44'W | 7.20 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 6.0M | 700K | Fond Du Lac |
| Brief Description: This tornado was a continuation of the tornado that moved through the southern part of the city of Markesan (Green Lake Co.). It entered Fond du Lac County just south of Lake Maria Road, about 4.7 miles SW of Alto. It moved east-southeast on a line toward Waupun at F3 strength (estimated 175-200 mph), and actually merged with the Lake Maria tornado that moved east out of extreme southeastern Green Lake County. The merger took place just east of a dogleg/bend of Oak Grove Rd., about 2.2 miles SSW of Alto. The civil Town of Alto reported that 19 residential homes had major damage and 1 was destroyed. One business had major damage. Fourteen farms were affected with a tally of 8 ag-buildings/homes with minor damage, 19 with major damage, and 16 destroyed. Crop damage was severe. Public sector damage (roads/bridges) was about $225K. In the city of Waupun (Fond du Lac side), 4 homes had major damage, and roughly 150 had minor roof/siding damage due to severe tree damage. Average path width was about 300 yards. Two rounds of severe weather affected parts of south-central and southeast Wisconsin on June 23rd, with the second round featuring 8 tornadoes, large hail (up to golf-ball size), and powerful straight-line downburst winds. A warm front moving north through the area resulted in favorable vertical wind shear to allow for supercell development. The 1st round of severe weather was due to a broken line of intense thunderstorms moving across Walworth, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties. Hail of up to 1 inch in diameter and torrential rainfall accompanied these storms before they moved over Lake Michigan and weakened. The 2nd round of severe weather was dominated by 2 cyclic supercells - one moved east/southeast through Marquette, Green Lake, Fond du Lac, and Washington Counties, spinning up 5 separate tornadoes, dumping hail stones up to 3 inches in diameter, and hurricane-force downburst winds. The large hail dented several vehicles. Two of these were rated F3. Refer to the individual tornado reports for more details. A more southerly supercell tracked across extreme southern Sauk County and then made a partial right turn and headed southeast through Dane County, spinning up 2 tornadoes in the process, as well as large hail and downburst winds. One powerful downburst wind in Madison (Dane Co.) blew equipment off the roof of a business at the Midvale Shopping Mall. A semi southwest of Ft. Atkinson was blown over by straight-line wind gusts. This southern supercell eventually spun up another tornado in south-central Jefferson County which moved into north-central Walworth County. Refer to the individual tornado reports for more details. Both supercells had downbursts that generated large hail and powerful, hurricane-force winds north and south of their tracks. Over all of Wisconsin, 16 tornadoes were documented on June 23rd, which is the 4th highest single-day total (record is 24 on May 8, 1988). For south-central and southeast Wisconsin, the 8 tornadoes on June 23rd was tied for the 4th highest single-day total (record is 11 on May 8, 1988). | |||||||||||
* The information on this page is based on the global volcano database, the U.S. earthquake database of 1638-1985, and the U.S. Tornado and Weather Extremes database of 1950-2010.