An average of 23 tornadoes occur in Wisconsin each year. In recent years, 2024 had the state’s third-highest annual count with 45 tornadoes.
Severe Weather
Watching for Lightning in Wisconsin
In 2024, over 2.1 million lightning events occurred across Wisconsin, ranking the state 26th nationwide for total lightning events.
Wisconsin’s Tornado Outbreaks
Take a look back at some of the more memorable tornadoes and tornado outbreaks in Wisconsin over the past few decades.
Wisconsin Severe Weather Climatology
Though not located in the traditional “Tornado Alley” of the United States, Wisconsin gets its fair share of severe storms.
Looking Back: 20 Years Since Wisconsin’s Largest Tornado Outbreak
Hundreds of homes were destroyed and thousands of lives impacted in a storm that many Wisconsin residents will never forget.
Highlighting Wisconsin’s Hail History
Annual reports over last 70 years show an increase in the occurrence of hail, from less than 30 per year prior the 1980s to near 200 by 2020.