National Weather Service Confirms 7 Tornadoes Hit Southeast Wisconsin on April 17
The National Weather Service reports seven tornadoes touched down across Southeast Wisconsin during the evening of April 17. The new confirmations raise the week’s total to 14 tornadoes for the area during the week that began April 12.
Confirmed tornado reports
An EF-1 tornado struck Walworth County near Delavan at about 6:40 p.m. Winds reached an estimated 100 mph. The twister tracked along State Road 11 into the Redwood Court neighborhood. Pine trees were uprooted and snapped. Several outbuildings lost sheet metal and a concrete silo was toppled.
A second EF-1 touched down near Turtle Creek and Klug Road in Delavan at about 6:46 p.m. Estimated peak winds were 100 mph. The path moved northeast through the north side of Comus Lake by Dam Road. The tornado uprooted trees and tore off metal doors and shingles from nearby structures.
An EF-0 tornado landed along Spring Prairie Road in Burlington at 7:22 p.m. The twister measured roughly 50 yards wide. Peak winds were near 70 mph. It uprooted trees, damaged siding and stripped shingles before ending near Lyons Road.
At about 7:32 p.m., an EF-0 hit north of Waterford in Racine County. The tornado was roughly 70 yards wide with peak winds near 70 mph. It snapped and uprooted trees and lifted a porta-potty onto a building. The track likely ended in the Tichigan State Wildlife Area.
An EF-0 touched down south of Muskego in Waukesha County at about 7:52 p.m. The width was estimated at 75 yards. Peak winds were near 70 mph. The tornado caused tree damage before ending in the Big Muskego Lake Wildlife Area.
Another EF-0 landed near North Cape in northern Racine County at about 7:55 p.m. Estimated winds reached 80 mph. The path moved northeast toward 7 Mile Road. The storm damaged several trees and tore the roof off a barn.
The final tornado of the night was an EF-1 near US-45 in northern Racine County at about 7:56 p.m. Peak winds were estimated at 100 mph. The twister tracked northeast to County Line Road, just south of Franklin in Milwaukee County. It snapped and uprooted trees, damaged roofs and removed nearly half of a warehouse roof.
Downburst and other severe wind damage
The NWS also reported an 80 mph downburst in Caledonia at about 8:11 p.m. The straight-line winds destroyed a greenhouse at L and L Farms. Other outbuildings and trees suffered heavy damage. Local photos documented the damage and storm structure.
Flooding concerns and river outlook
Heavy rain from the week has left several rivers at or above flood stage. The Fox River flooded parts of Waukesha, Burlington and Salem Lakes. Meteorologists say the Fox River at Waukesha is receding to minor flood stage.
Forecasts show the Fox River at New Munster could top 15 feet by Sunday. The Milwaukee River at Cedarburg is expected to crest at minor flood stage. The Sheboygan River and the Root River near Raymond are also in minor flood.
What to expect next
Emergency officials urge residents to remain cautious during cleanup. Downed trees and damaged structures present hazards. Flood-prone areas should monitor river updates and follow local guidance.
Filmogaz.com compiled these details from National Weather Service reports and local storm observations. Readers should check the NWS for the latest advisories and assessments.
