National Weather Service investigates likely tornadoes in central Wisconsin
Wednesday, July 16, was a tense day across Central Wisconsin, as the National Weather Service (NWS) identified at least 10 zones where radar-indicated rotation suggested the possible formation of tornadoes. Two of those areas — in Sauk County and Dodge County — are believed to have experienced confirmed tornado touchdowns.
By 7:00 p.m., the tornado watch affecting the Milwaukee metro area had expired. However, the alert had covered a wide stretch of Southern and Eastern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Dane, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Kenosha, and Racine Counties, and extended as far north as Green Bay.
Tornado warnings escalated across central counties
More urgent tornado warnings were issued throughout the afternoon for multiple counties. A tornado sighting, roughly 3 miles south of Waupun, triggered warnings in western Fond du Lac County and southeastern Dodge County, active until 4:00 p.m.
North central Columbia County and Marquette County remained under a tornado warning until 3:45 p.m., while portions of Columbia, Sauk, and Fond du Lac Counties were alerted until 3:30 p.m., following a severe thunderstorm observed near Lake Wisconsin, capable of spawning tornadoes.
One of the first reported touchdowns occurred at 1:12 p.m. over Mazomanie, located in Dane County, near Sauk City. That storm later weakened, but surrounding areas — including Dane, Rock, Green, and Jefferson Counties — faced tornado warnings throughout the early afternoon. The warning for Dane County was lifted by 2:30 p.m.
NWS teams to assess possible damage zones
The Milwaukee NWS office in Sullivan confirmed that it will be focusing on 10 areas that showed strong rotation signatures on the radar. While not all may have produced actual tornadoes, ground assessments will determine the extent of damage and confirm any additional touchdowns.
Though Milwaukee saw less severe impact, rain lingered into the evening. Nevertheless, the forecast prompted event cancellations, including the Waukesha County Fair, which called off truck and tractor pulls, and the Milwaukee Night Market, which canceled its planned festivities.
Understanding tornado watches and warnings
A tornado watch does not mean a tornado has been observed — it indicates that atmospheric conditions could lead to tornado formation. In contrast, a warning is issued when a tornado is spotted or indicated by radar.
For Wednesday, widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms made the environment favorable for tornado development, particularly in southern and central regions of Wisconsin.
Milwaukee radar remains active with storm tracking
The weather radar for Wisconsin remained active throughout the evening of July 16, continuing to monitor cells capable of producing severe weather.
