The sky didn't just turn gray; it went that sickly, bruised shade of green that makes every Wisconsinite reach for their basement keys. Honestly, if you live anywhere near the I-39 corridor or the rolling hills of Clark County, you know the drill. But the recent stretch of weather has been different. We aren't just talking about a few sirens and some heavy rain. We are looking at a definitive uptick in tornadoes confirmed across central Wisconsin that has caught even some veteran spotters off guard.
It’s easy to get lost in the radar loops and the frantic social media posts. You've seen the blurry cell phone footage of funnels dipping near barn silos. But what does the actual data from the National Weather Service (NWS) tell us?
Basically, the 2024 and 2025 seasons have been a wake-up call. From the EF2 that ripped through Clark County to the weirdly frequent "spin-ups" in Shawano and Marathon counties, the atmosphere hasn't been playing nice.
The Clark County Surge: When the Ground Shook
May 15, 2025, is a date people in Unity and Colby won't forget anytime soon. It started as a "capped" atmosphere—meteorology-speak for a lid on the air that prevents storms from growing. But once that lid popped? Everything exploded.
A very strong low-pressure system parked itself over the Upper Midwest, and by the time the dinner hour rolled around, three separate tornadoes were confirmed across central Wisconsin’s Clark County. The big one was an EF2 tornado near Unity and Colby. It wasn't some brief "dust whirl." We are talking about peak winds that the NWS La Crosse office estimated reached significant speeds, strong enough to toss heavy machinery and peel roofs like orange skins.
- Unity/Colby EF2: High-end wind speeds, significant structural damage.
- Humbird Hail: While the tornadoes took the headlines, 2-inch diameter hail (basically eggs) pelted the same region.
- The "Line" Effect: These weren't isolated cells; they were part of a savage line that moved into eastern Wisconsin by early evening.
It’s sorta wild to think about how fast it happens. One minute you're watching the birds, the next, the NWS is confirming a debris signature on the Dual-Pol radar.
Why Shawano and Oconto Are Seeing More Action
If you look further east towards Shawano County, the story stays just as active. On April 28, 2025, two EF0 tornadoes were documented—one near Mattoon and another near Birnamwood. Now, some people shrug off an EF0. "It’s just a gusty wind," they say. Tell that to the guy whose 50-year-old oak tree is now lying in his living room.
The Mattoon tornado stayed on the ground for about 6.2 miles. That’s a long track for a "weak" storm. It’s a reminder that even when the rating is low, the duration can be terrifying.
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Then came July 23, 2025. This was a messy day for the Green Bay NWS office. They had to track multiple tornadoes across Menominee, Oconto, and Waupaca counties.
- Clintonville: An EFU (Unknown rating) touched down briefly.
- Gillett: An EF1 tornado stayed down for over two miles.
- Oconto: An EF0 added to the tally later that afternoon.
These weren't massive, mile-wide wedges, but they were frequent. It’s this frequency that has people on edge.
The 2024 Warning Shots
We can't talk about recent events without looking at August 29, 2024. This was a classic "cold front meets humid air" setup. While a lot of the focus was on the Twin Cities, several tornadoes confirmed across central Wisconsin originated from this line.
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A brief EF0 started south of I-94 in western St. Croix County. It crossed the interstate—actually caught on a DOT traffic camera—and uprooted dozens of trees. Earlier that same day, an EF1 near Beldenville proved that these late-summer storms often pack more punch than the spring ones.
Wisconsin averages about 23 tornadoes a year. By September 2025, the state had already hit 39 documented tornadoes. That’s the 6th highest count in state history since 1950. We are living through a period of high-octane weather that doesn't seem to care about the "average."
What Most People Get Wrong About Central Wisconsin Tornadoes
Kinda strange, but a lot of folks think the "Northwoods" or the central forests act as a shield. They don't. Trees don't stop tornadoes; they just become flying missiles. Another misconception is that these storms only happen in June. As we saw with the 2024 and 2025 data, we are seeing confirmed touchdowns in April, July, and even late August.
The geography of central Wisconsin—the mix of flat farmland and sudden ridges—can actually help create local wind shears that favor these brief, "QLCS" (Quasi-Linear Mesoscale Convective System) tornadoes. These are the ones that form inside a line of wind, often with very little warning.
Staying Safe When the Sirens Go
You can't rely on your ears. By the time you hear the "freight train" sound, it’s probably too late.
- Get a NOAA Weather Radio: Seriously. Cell towers fail. WiFi goes out. A battery-powered radio with a S.A.M.E. alert for your specific county (like Marathon, Wood, or Portage) is the only foolproof way to wake up at 2:00 AM.
- Know Your "Safe" Spot: It isn't just "the basement." It’s the smallest, most central room in the basement. No windows. Under a heavy table if possible. If you don't have a basement, find an interior closet or bathroom on the lowest floor.
- The Helmet Rule: This sounds goofy, but keep old bike or football helmets in your safe room. Most tornado injuries are from flying debris hitting the head. Put them on.
- Confirm the Source: If you see a "confirmed" report on social media, verify it with the NWS Green Bay or NWS La Crosse accounts. Misinformation spreads faster than the storm itself.
The reality of tornadoes confirmed across central Wisconsin is that they are becoming more than just a rare occurrence; they are a persistent part of our seasonal cycle. Whether it’s an EF2 in Clark County or a surprise spin-up in Shawano, the best defense is being faster than the clouds.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your county's emergency management website to sign up for "Wireless Emergency Alerts" (WEA) on your phone. Ensure "Extreme Weather" alerts are toggled ON in your smartphone settings. Finally, do a "dry run" with your family—see how long it actually takes to get everyone, including pets, into your designated shelter area. Minutes matter when a debris signature is on the move.