Richland County Tornado Confirmed

A survey of storm damage just south of Richland Center confirmed the initial conclusion that a tornado touched down in Richland County yesterday. The tornado was rated F0 (winds 40-72 miles per hour), and was only on the ground for about a mile. Initial touchdown was at 4:57 p.m. near Highway 80 south of Richland Center, and the tornado lifted six minutes later near County OO on the southeast side of the city. The only damage was to trees, outbuildings, and roofs. As far as I know, this was the first tornado reported in Wisconsin this year. Other storm reports from around the area included wind damage in other parts of Richland County along with a few reports of quarter size hail, as well as penny size hail in Wildcat Mountain State Park in Vernon County.

Had a few brief yet intense downpours with some thunderstorms today. The big weather story for the next few days should be a substantial warming trend. Temperatures are still expected to close in on 90 degrees by Sunday, and above normal temperatures are expected to persist through at least next week. The next best chance of rain is late Monday and Tuesday.