In an unprecedented climatic event, Wisconsin experienced its first-ever tornadoes in February, marking a significant departure from the state’s typically cold winter weather. The severe weather phenomenon, which struck Rock County on February 8th, resulted in over $2.4 million in damages, according to official reports released on Wednesday.
The destructive force of the tornadoes led to the death of some livestock and inflicted damage on 30 homes within the area. Kevin Wernet, the director of Rock County Emergency Management, highlighted that the reported damage estimates do not account for the agricultural losses, including damage to silos, barns, and farming equipment.
The town of Porter bore the brunt of the damage, with losses exceeding $2 million, while the town of Fulton faced more than $320,000 in damages. The severity of the tornadoes varied, with two homes being completely destroyed and another ten suffering major damage.
Meteorological reports confirmed one of the tornadoes near Evansville as a high-end F2 category, signifying it as “significant.” This tornado boasted peak winds reaching 135 mph (220 kph), maintained contact with the ground for 36 minutes, and traversed a distance of 24.5 miles (39.4 kilometers), with its widest point measuring 500 yards (457.2 meters).
Another tornado, near Juda, was classified as an F1, with peak winds of 110 mph (177 kph), and remained on the ground for 14 minutes, covering 8.35 miles (13.4 kilometers) with a maximum width of 50 yards (45.7 meters).
This rare occurrence of February tornadoes in Wisconsin, a phenomenon not recorded since the inception of record-keeping in 1950, underscores the unpredictable nature of weather patterns and the increasing challenges posed by climate change.
The events of February 8th serve as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of such unpredictable disasters.