Thunderstorm Wind in Vilas County, Wisconsin

Thunderstorm winds downed trees and power lines southwest of Phelps. The time of this report is an estimate based on radar data.

A severe weather outbreak unfolded across central and north-central Wisconsin during the afternoon and early evening of Friday (4/17). The event was triggered by a surface low-pressure system and cold front across the upper Midwest.

NWS storm surveys confirmed 2 tornadoes that resulted in structural damage. A tornado formed 3 miles northwest of Glandon around 4:44 PM CDT and tracked into southeast Lincoln County producing EF-1 damage before dissipating around 4:55 PM CDT. Another tornado formed 3 miles west-southwest of Ringle in Marathon County around 4:46 PM CDT and dissipated around 5:03 PM CDT 5 miles southwest of Hogarty. This tornado produced EF-3 damage and destroyed 13 homes, produced major damage to 25 homes, with 101 homes reporting minor damage or affected by the tornado. An estimated $8.2 million worth of damage was reported from the tornado.

Beyond the tornadic threat, the storms produced isolated large hail up to half dollar size and damaging winds. Heavy rainfall was another impact, with localized totals ranging from 1 to 4 inches. These torrential downpours caused flash flooding, particularly in Marshfield where 2.65 inches of rain fell and multiple vehicles were reported stranded in deep water.