page_title: Upper Great Lakes severe weather outbreak of August 23, 1998
section_title: Door County, Wisconsin
hierarchical_section_title: Upper Great Lakes severe weather outbreak of August 23, 1998 / Impact / Door County, Wisconsin
caption_attribution_description: English: Low resolution image of damage by the 1998 Door County Tornado, Wisconsin's 8th most costly tornado. Taken near Wisconsin Highway 42. (Photo by Jill Last of NWS Green Bay)
context_page_description: The Upper Great Lakes severe weather outbreak of August 23, 1998 was a severe weather outbreak that affected parts of Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The outbreak occurred on August 23, 1998 and caused millions of dollars in damage to the region. One fatality is attributed to this severe weather event, when a severe thunderstorm knocked a tree onto a camper killing its sole occupant. A supercell spawned a F3 tornado that ripped across Door County causing $6.5 million in damages. It was the 8th most costly tornado in Wisconsin history injuring two people, destroying multiple structures and disrupting the regional economy and tourism. Two storms moved through the Fox Valley producing a minimal F0 tornado, but devastating amounts of hail. Damages from the hail were estimated to be around $5 million and damaged many structures and vehicles. Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration from President Bill Clinton for the disaster, but was denied.
context_section_description: The Door County Tornado is the 8th most costly tornado in Wisconsin history, casing an estimated $6.5 million in damages. The tornado first touched down over water as a waterspout but moved onshore in Door County, causing significant property and crop damage. Murphy County Park was the very first place on land to be impacted by the tornado. The southern part of the park received the most substantial damage with 99%+ of all trees and shrubs in the area being uprooted or destroyed. As the tornado moved across the peninsula it caused F2 and F3 damage to structures. In total 20 residential buildings, two businesses and multiple barns were destroyed by the tornado. A campground known as the Door County Kamping Resort saw some of the tornadoes worst impacts. 40 campers hid in a brick shower building while the F3 tornado moved over the camp, because of this only two injuries were reported. A nearby hotel and antique shop known as Cornerstone Suites was also completely destroyed by the tornado. Although there were very few injuries with the tornado, the storm knocked out power to most of the peninsula. Due to the lack of power most tourist attractions in the area were not able to provide for their customers. Chief deputy Gary Bies of the Door County Sheriff's Department said of the event, "People are sitting in motels with nothing to do. No restaurants; everything is closed." By late on the Monday after the storm most power was returned to the area.
caption: Tornado damage to a structure off of Wisconsin Highway 42.
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