WC Wisconsin News

Severe storms on Dec. 15 caused power outages throughout the City of La Crosse this week. Wind gusts of over 60 mph were observed throughout the evening and several tornado warnings were in effect. Power lines, trees and homes were damaged in the wake of the storm. 

Residents of the area were warned by public officials and the National Weather Service early in the day. 

Rep. Ron Kind said on Twitter, “With severe weather predicted tonight for parts of Wisconsin, please make sure to familiarize yourself with weather safety tips and stay safe.”

The National Weather Service of La Crosse also tweeted out a warning, saying, “We cannot emphasize enough the unusual nature of this event. Storms will have the potential to produce 70 mph wind gusts with isolated gusts of 80 mph or higher possible. Tornadoes will be possible and a strong tornado could occur. Seek shelter if warnings are issued!”

La Crosse certainly wasn't alone in their experience with the storm. The storm was tracked through Iowa and Minnesota. In Iowa alone, several tornadoes were reported as the system moved through the state. The highest reported winds in the system were in Plainview, Minnesota, where gusts of 85 mph were recorded. The La Crosse Regional Airport observed winds of 54 mph. 

According to La Crosse's local network, WXOW, "The weather system tore across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, where 11 tornadoes were spotted, before entering Wisconsin. Strong winds brought down power lines across the three states resulting in power outages. Poweroutage.us reports that around 17,000 Wisconsinites are experiencing power outages. On I-90 in Winona County, Minnesota, a semi-truck was blown over shortly after 8 p.m."

The affected areas included La Crosse, La Crescent, Onalaska, Holmen, Galesville, Winona, West Salem and other smaller surrounding towns. Dozens of structures ended up damaged including siding and shingles. 

As of Dec. 16, most power outages had been restored in the area.