An intense storm system moved across the Upper Midwest on December 15th and produced a rare severe weather outbreak across western Wisconsin. Eight tornadoes occurred across parts of Trempealeau, Jackson and Clark Counties. Four of these tornadoes were rated EF2 and three EF1. The most substantial damage from the EF2 tornadoes occurred in Clark County. One tornado destroyed a home in the southwest corner of the county near Five Mile Creek west of Neillsville (Clark County). Another tornado caused extensive damage to farms and trees after moving through Stanley (Chippewa County) into the northwest corner of Clark County. An EF0 tornado passed through Perrot State Park (Trempealeau County) and damaged several homes on the west edge of Trempealeau (Trempealeau County). The other tornadoes largely moved through rural areas damaging trees, power lines and farm buildings. Because of the severe weather threat, the Rotary Lights display in La Crosse (La Crosse County) was closed for the first time in over 26 years where two temporary structures were destroyed.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLARK, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:08:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: SIDNEY
Magnitude: 57.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A path of wind damage occurred across southwest Clark County from east of Humbird to near Globe. Most of the damage was uprooted or snapped trees but the roof was ripped off a metal pole shed and a wooded power pole was broken.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLARK, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:19:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHRISTIE
Magnitude: 54.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Farm outbuildings were damaged east of Christie.

Thunderstorm Wind in LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:26:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: LYTLE
Magnitude: 57.00 EG
Property damage: 80.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A path of wind damage occurred just west of Holmen. A barn was destroyed, the wall ripped off another barn, metal roofing removed from an outbuilding, a large sign on three steel I-beams was flattened and numerous trees were snapped off or uprooted.

Thunderstorm Wind in JACKSON, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:53:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: SCHLERVILLE
Magnitude: 57.00 EG
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A semi loaded with 30,000 pounds of perishable goods was blown over on Interstate 94. The driver sustained minor injuries.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRANT, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:36:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLATTEVILLE
Magnitude: 59.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The automated weather observing equipment at the Platteville airport measured a 68 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in RICHLAND, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 22:54:00 to 15-DEC-21 22:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: (LNR)TRI CO ARPT LON
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Tree branches were blown down east of Gotham.

Thunderstorm Wind in JUNEAU, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:48:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELROY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees were blown down north of Elroy.

Tornado in TREMPEALEAU, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:19:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:21:00 (CST-6)
Location: CENTERVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This EF1 tornado initially formed in Winona County Minnesota before crossing the Mississippi River and moving through the Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge. Hundreds of trees were damaged by the tornado before it dissipated along the northeast side of the refuge.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLARK, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:33:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: WITHEE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Buildings sustained wind damage west of Withee.

Tornado in CLARK, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:06:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: HUMBIRD
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This EF2 tornado developed in Jackson County and moved into the southwest part of Clark County east of Humbird. The tornado continued to move northeast before dissipating along County Highway B west of Sidney. This part of Clark County is heavily forested and thousands of trees were damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRANT, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:34:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: DICKEYVILLE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An estimated 60 mph wind gust occurred in Dickeyville.

Tornado in TREMPEALEAU, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:23:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: TREMPEALEAU
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 520.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This short-lived EF0 tornado likely formed over the Mississippi River, moved inland and across a portion of Perrot State Park before dissipating on the very western edge of Trempealeau. Extensive tree damage occurred in the state park and several homes were damaged when trees fell on them.

Thunderstorm Wind in TREMPEALEAU, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:42:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: WHITEHALL
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Farm outbuildings were damaged southeast of Whitehall.

Thunderstorm Wind in TREMPEALEAU, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:53:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: HALE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Trees were uprooted and snapped off southeast of Osseo.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLARK, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:06:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAKE ARBUTUS
Magnitude: 54.00 EG
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Numerous trees were blown down across the southwest corner of Clark County east of Humbird.

Tornado in JACKSON, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:05:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: MERRILLAN
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This EF2 tornado developed in the far northern part of Jackson County north of Merillan and quickly moved northeast into Clark County. Damage was limited to trees.

Thunderstorm Wind in TREMPEALEAU, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:26:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: GALESVILLE
Magnitude: 54.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Farm outbuildings were damaged south of Galesville.

Tornado in TREMPEALEAU, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:53:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: HALE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 65.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This EF1 tornado developed southeast of Osseo and moved northeast, crossing into Jackson County near County Highway G. The tornado passed through a farm where damage occurred to the house and outbuildings. Otherwise, mainly tree damage occurred.

Thunderstorm Wind in JACKSON, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:57:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: LEVIS
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Hundreds of pine trees were snapped off west of Levis.

Tornado in JACKSON, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:54:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: LEVIS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 45.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This EF1 tornado developed in northeast Trempealeau County before moving into Jackson County near County Highway G southwest of Levis. The tornado continued to move northeast and dissipated along County Highway FF before reaching Interstate 94. Damage was primarily to trees with a couple of farm outbuildings also damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind in JACKSON, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:56:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: LEVIS
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Trees were snapped off west of Levis.

Tornado in CLARK, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:07:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: SIDNEY
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This EF2 tornado developed southwest of Sidney and moved northeast across a heavily wooded area of southwest Clark County. Thousands of trees were damaged and one home was destroyed near Five Mile Creek.

Tornado in CLARK, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:16:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEILLSVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This EF2 tornado developed northeast of Neillsville and moved northeast before dissipating after crossing State Highway 73 just north of Schofield Road. A farm took a direct hit from the tornado where a barn was shifted off its foundation, a truck moved almost 100 feet and roof damage to the house occurred.

Tornado in CLARK, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:22:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENWOOD
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 160.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This EF1 tornado formed west of Greenwood near the intersection of County Highways G and O. The tornado was only on the ground for about a mile but caused extensive damage to two farms. A barn roof was removed, a pole shed destroyed, power pole snapped and roof damage to an outbuilding.

Thunderstorm Wind in LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:29:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOLMEN
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Power lines were blown down in Holmen.

Thunderstorm Wind in TREMPEALEAU, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:20:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: CENTERVILLE
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A 65 mph wind gust west of Centerville was measured by a mesonet station.

Thunderstorm Wind in TAYLOR, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:47:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: MEDFORD
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A farm outbuilding was damaged west of Medford.

Tornado in CLARK, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:22:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: EIDSVOLD
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 120.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This EF2 tornado developed in Chippewa County and crossed into Clark County after moving through Stanley. After moving into Clark County, the tornado moved across rural areas damaging farm outbuildings and trees.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLARK, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:23:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENWOOD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A farm outbuilding was damaged near Greenwood.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRANT, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:01:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: BAGLEY
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

An estimated 63 mph wind gust occurred in Bagley.

Thunderstorm Wind in TAYLOR, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:50:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: MEDFORD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous trees and power lines were blown down across the southern part of the county with no specific location given.

Thunderstorm Wind in TAYLOR, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:47:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: WHITTLESEY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 60.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The roofs to a workshop and a house were blown off and trees were uprooted in Whittlesey.

Thunderstorm Wind in LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:32:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: LA CROSSE
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Two temporary structures for the Rotary Lights display in La Crosse were destroyed.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLARK, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:23:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENWOOD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A large tree was blown on to a business in Greenwood. Branches from the tree went through parts of the roof and the owner was temporarily trapped inside the business when the exit was blocked.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUFFALO, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:17:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: BUFFALO CITY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Trees were blown down in Buffalo.

Thunderstorm Wind in TREMPEALEAU, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:24:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: TREMPEALEAU
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees were blown down in Trempealeau.

Hail in LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:30:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: COUNCIL BAY
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Half dollar sized hail fell north of Holmen.

Thunderstorm Wind in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:28:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: ONTARIO
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Trees and large branches were blown down in Ontario.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONROE, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:03:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: SPARTA
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Door overhangs were damaged by winds in Sparta.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLARK, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:30:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: LONGWOOD
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A 70 mph wind gust was measured in Longwood with a private weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:03:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: VIROQUA
Magnitude: 60.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The automated weather observing equipment at the Viroqua airport measured a 69 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in JACKSON, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 20:43:00 to 15-DEC-21 20:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: MELROSE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 35.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The attached garage was blown off a house northwest of Melrose and several trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONROE, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:28:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: TOMAH
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees were uprooted or blown down in Tomah. Some of these fell on buildings and vehicles with one causing a gas line rupture.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLARK, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:14:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEILLSVILLE
Magnitude: 51.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Power lines and trees were blown down across Neillsville. The winds also scattered debris from damaged roofs.

Thunderstorm Wind in RICHLAND, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:24:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: VIOLA
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A 62 mph wind gust was measured north of Viola with a private weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:06:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: LIBERTY POLE
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A 62 mph wind gust was measured near Liberty Pole with a private weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLARK, WISCONSIN
From 15-DEC-21 21:22:00 to 15-DEC-21 21:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: THORP
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Windows were blown out of buildings and roofs were removed from sheds in Thorp.