West-Central Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota experienced powerful severe storms Friday afternoon. Multiple tornadoes caused a wide variety of damage after touching down near Rochester and Winona. The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department says a tornado in the Town of Cream – that’s west of Waumandee – caused damage to a number of homes and out buildings near Highway 88. Authorities said everyone was okay and dozens of neighbors were arriving to help out. Observers also spotted a rope tornado north of Montana – just north-east of Waumandee.
A tornado near Highway 95 and Highway N in Blair caused major damage, including completely destroying a home, barn, and other buildings there. Observers also spotted and captured video of a tornado near Highway K and Old 17 near Osseo. Spotters reported damaged homes and trees.
The Hatfield and Black River Falls Fire Departments reported downed trees and power lines near Highway K and Palm Road due to a tornado confirmed there. Multiple agencies including the Jackson County Highway Department and Jackson Electric Cooperative were on scene helping to clear roadways and restore power.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department reports several tornadoes in the county Friday. Chief Deputy Nick Gray says at about 4:25, a deputy observed a tornado on the ground in Garfield Township, near the area of Highway 10 and County Highway M. Around 4:39, the National Weather Service confirmed a tornado near Black River Falls, moving northeast. Close to 5:00, a tornado was reported in the Township of Komensky, by a citizen, near Morrison Road. As of Friday night, the Sheriff’s Department said there were no known reports of injuries or fatalities due to the storms. Property damage to homes, along with downed trees and downed power lines were confirmed in multiple locations.
According to WSAW.com, a tornado struck the Ringle area – in Marathon County – damaging at least 75 homes and causing catastrophic destruction in a residential neighborhood. Emergency crews were commended for their search and rescue response, freeing trapped residents from basements. No injuries or fatalities were reported. Nearby Riverside Elementary sustained minor damage, and displaced residents were taken to D.C. Everest Middle School. Officials say the area remains closed for safety as recovery continues. Authorities call the devastation among the worst they’ve seen in decades.
Tornadoes were also reported in North-East Wisconsin near White Lake, Jeffris, Elton, and Phlox as well as in the southern part of the state near Janesville and Avalon.
WMTV.com says flash flooding was causing dangerous conditions across Rock County Friday night, with roads underwater, stranded vehicles, and emergency crews responding to a surge of calls.
In Clark County, the Chili Fremont Fire Department reported flash flooding near Highway 10 and County Road Y.
Sheriff’s Departments and authorities from all affected municipalities urged onlookers to stay away. Many roads were or are closed while crews clean up from the storms or water recedes.
The National Weather Service said they will have two survey teams out today to survey the survey damage in west-central WI and southeast MN. Survey results will be released when available.
WWIS News has shared a number of pictures and video on our Facebook page, WWIS Radio.