Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Hit Wisconsin on May 15, 2025

La Crosse, WI — Severe thunderstorms swept through Wisconsin on the afternoon of May 15, 2025, driven by a potent cold front. The warm and moist air contributed to the rapid development of storms, which soon escalated into severe weather.

Initial forecasts indicated a low chance of severe weather, but conditions changed as surface temperatures rose. As the front moved southwest, thunderstorms intensified, with hail and tornadoes emerging as significant threats. The storms rapidly evolved, resulting in damaging weather that hit Clark County particularly hard.

Early reports revealed that three tornadoes were confirmed in Clark County, including a notable EF2 tornado near Unity and Colby. Local officials reported extensive damage in these areas, and damage assessments are ongoing.

The storms moved eastward into eastern Wisconsin by early evening, leaving behind significant impacts. In addition to tornado activity, hail size reached up to two inches in diameter, with golfball-sized hail reported across several counties. The largest hail was documented in Humbird, WI.

Wind gusts caused by the storms were substantial, with reports indicating that some areas experienced gusts exceeding 55 mph. Despite the storm’s rapid progress, weather observers are continuing their evaluations to understand the full scale of the damage.

Authorities urge residents to stay informed about ongoing updates as assessments continue in the aftermath of this severe weather event.