Southern Wisconsin was hit by a series of tornadoes on Wednesday, July 16, with four confirmed touchdowns across Dane, Dodge, and Iowa counties. One of the most significant tornadoes was an EF-1 in Dodgeville, which caused damage along a 6.95-mile path through Iowa County farmland. Though no fatalities or injuries were reported, there was significant damage to buildings, trees, crops, and utility lines.
Tornado Details and Impact
The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan confirmed that the tornadoes touched down between 12:20 p.m. and 3:33 p.m. on July 16. The strongest of these was an EF-1 tornado in Dodgeville, which had winds reaching 95 mph and a path width of 150 yards. This tornado caused notable damage, particularly to the structures in its path.
Other Tornadoes in the Region
Dane County: An EF-0 tornado hit southeast of Sauk City at 1:15 p.m. with winds of up to 80 mph.
Dodge County: Two EF-0 tornadoes were confirmed, one in Beaver Dam at 3 p.m. and another near Hustisford shortly after. Both had winds between 60–70 mph, with damage mainly to trees, crops, and utility lines.
Precautionary Measures and Ongoing Risks
Although there were no reports of injuries or fatalities, the damage to property and infrastructure is still being assessed. Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, especially as cleanup efforts continue. Emergency officials recommend securing any outdoor items, reporting downed power lines, and keeping a close watch on weather updates through NOAA Weather Radio or other local alerts.
The tornadoes that hit Wisconsin on July 16 left behind significant damage, particularly in Iowa County, where an EF-1 tornado caused structural harm. While the immediate threat has passed, the ongoing cleanup and recovery efforts are important. Residents should continue to stay updated on any remaining risks and follow safety recommendations as the area works to recover.
