Delavan, Wisconsin – The National Weather Service confirmed the occurrence of at least one tornado during Saturday night’s severe weather. The aftermath of the storm left a trail of destruction, prompting crews to assess various communities and initiate cleanup efforts in the affected areas. An EF-1 tornado, with peak winds reaching 105 mph, struck Delavan in Walworth County around 8:22 p.m. on Saturday evening, causing significant damage to the region. Delavan, located northwest of Williams Bay, witnessed heavy structural damage as a result of the tornado.
Following the aftermath, NWS crews ventured out on Sunday to evaluate the extent of the damage in several areas, including Argyle, Marshall, Janesville, Watertown, Walworth, Williams Bay, Sun Prairie, and DeForest. Additional information regarding the number of tornadoes that occurred and detailed reports about them are expected to be released soon. Meteorologist Sarah Marquardt from NWS mentioned that the confirmation process might extend well into the next day, as crews work tirelessly to gather accurate information.
As affected communities continue their clean-up efforts, Marquardt advised residents to steer clear of floodwaters, downed power lines, and hazardous trees with loose branches. Residents are encouraged to report any storm-related damage to the NWS through their website, Facebook, or other social media platforms. Moreover, updates and live information about the ongoing situation are being provided throughout the day, prompting individuals to stay alert and informed about the evolving conditions.
Restoring power to affected areas has been a priority for utility companies like We Energies and Alliant Energy. While progress has been made in reducing the number of customers without power, significant outages still persist in certain regions. We Energies reported a decrease in the number of affected customers, with Waterloo, Watertown, Richmond, and Springfield being the most impacted areas. Alliant Energy’s service zone, which includes Janesville and Lake Geneva, also experienced electricity disruptions, indicating that the restoration process could take up to two days to complete.
As the recovery efforts continue in various communities, concerns about potential flooding have emerged. Several flood warnings are currently in effect for rivers across Wisconsin, prompting residents to stay vigilant and prepared for any possible flooding events. The NWS cautioned against the dangers of floodwaters, highlighting that even six inches of swiftly moving water can pose risks, emphasizing the importance of avoiding such hazardous conditions.
In the wake of the severe weather, communities like Janesville are actively coordinating relief efforts and donation drives to support the recovery process. Monetary donations and essential items like bottled water, food supplies, and protective gear are being collected to aid those impacted by the storms. The city remains committed to providing assistance and resources to residents in need during this challenging time.
Looking ahead, the forecast predicts the possibility of more thunderstorms in southeastern Wisconsin, with potential showers and thunderstorms expected late Monday night and into Tuesday. The NWS advises residents to stay informed about weather updates and exercise caution during inclement weather conditions to ensure their safety and well-being.
This weekend’s severe weather not only tested Wisconsin’s resilience but also underscored the state’s vulnerability to tornadoes. With the number of tornadoes already surpassing the yearly average, authorities and residents alike remain vigilant in preparing for future weather events and mitigating risks posed by natural disasters. As recovery efforts continue and communities come together to support one another, the impact of the storms serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and preparedness in times of crisis.