Wisconsin NOW! Extraordinary February Tornado Outbreak - Unprecedented Weather Events

The US National Weather Service has confirmed that two tornadoes hit Wisconsin on February 8th. These were the first tornadoes ever recorded in Wisconsin during the typically cold month of February. On that day, the temperature reached a record-breaking 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius), creating an ideal scenario for severe weather usually observed in late spring and summer.

The first tornado was classified as an EF1 and struck near Albany with a maximum wind speed of 110 miles per hour and was on the ground for 14 minutes.
The second, more powerful tornado, was classified as a high-end EF2 and passed east of Evansville with a maximum speed of 135 miles per hour. It remained on the ground for 36 minutes, covering a distance of 24.5 miles. Meteorologists warn that, after further analysis and consultations with experts, it may be upgraded to an EF3.

The tornadoes tore roofs off homes and barns, toppled power lines and trees, and overturned tractors and other agricultural equipment in the fields. Twisted metal sheets, pieces of lumber, and other debris were scattered across farms and roads. Several roads in the area remained closed on Friday.

Reports from the Rock County Sheriff's Office indicate serious damage to 20 homes. Miraculously, despite the destruction, no one was seriously injured. However, a few people suffered minor injuries, and one person was hospitalized after being in a car during the tornado.

Most citizens apparently heeded tornado warnings when they were issued, taking shelter in time. As the storm moved east of Evansville, the weather service issued a warning for a "significant" tornado, the second-highest of three severity levels, as meteorologists observed debris rising to heights of up to 15 feet.

Authorities urge the public to avoid the affected areas while rescue teams and utility services restore order.

During the Friday press conference, Tim Halbach, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service, confirmed that tornadoes in February are abnormal. "For the first time, we got any tornado warnings for our office in February, let alone the first tornado in the state," said Halbach. He emphasized the importance of listening to sirens and tornado warnings year-round, reminding that climate change can lead to unexpected events requiring active attention and preparedness.

Tornadoes are most common in Wisconsin during the summer months from May to August. According to meteorological records from 1948 to 2024, fewer than a dozen tornadoes were recorded from November to February. And in February, a tornado had never happened in the state before.

The concept of a tornado season is practically disappearing in the US. Not only is the number of tornadoes increasing, but their characteristics are becoming more anomalous, with longer and wider destructive paths. Tornadoes are now appearing in places where they were previously rare.

This trend is not limited to the US but is occurring worldwide, including countries such as Poland, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, India, and others.

The reasons behind these significant climate shifts globally, the destructive force of tornadoes, and their connection to the Earth's core are essential questions. What should we prepare for in the next five years? Clear and comprehensive answers can be found here.