Wisconsin Tornadoes
Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes per year. History includes 1984 Barneveld F5, 2005 Stoughton, and multiple significant events.
Wisconsin Tornado Statistics
- Average tornadoes per year: ~23
- Peak season: June-August
- Notable events: 1984 Barneveld F5, 2005 Stoughton
Notable Wisconsin Tornado Events
June 8, 1984 Barneveld F5
Devastating F5 struck Barneveld, Wisconsin at 1 AM. 9 killed, most of the town destroyed. One of the most iconic Wisconsin tornadoes.
August 18, 2005 Stoughton F3
Struck Stoughton, Wisconsin. Notable for community response.
June 2010 Central Wisconsin Outbreak
Multiple significant tornadoes across the state.
Why Wisconsin?
Great Lakes Region Position
Wisconsin sits in the Great Lakes region. Summer thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.
Summer Peak
Unlike southern states, Wisconsin's tornado peak is summer.
Continental Position
Gulf moisture reaches Wisconsin during summer months.
Regional Wisconsin Risk
Southern Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Madison, Racine. Higher tornado density.
Central Wisconsin
Wisconsin Rapids, Wausau. Moderate risk.
Northern Wisconsin
Duluth-Superior area, forest counties. Fewer tornadoes.
Notable Wisconsin Cities
- Milwaukee - largest city, moderate tornado risk
- Madison - state capital, higher risk
- Green Bay - Lake Michigan influence
- Barneveld - devastated by 1984 F5
Living in Wisconsin
- NOAA weather radio recommended
- Basement is standard tornado shelter
- Family plan advisable
- Understanding of summer tornado peak
- Community shelter awareness
Try the interactive simulator
Place an EF0–EF5 tornado anywhere in the world and see modeled fatalities, structural damage, and economic loss based on real census data.
Launch simulator →Try the interactive simulator
Place an EF0–EF5 tornado anywhere in the world and see modeled fatalities, structural damage, and economic loss based on real census data.
Launch simulator →