A tornado touched down in St. Croix County near the town of New Richmond, Wisconsin, on Thursday evening, prompting emergency alerts and precautionary warnings to residents across the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the tornado’s presence on the ground, with meteorologists tracking its path in real time through radar systems and field reports.
According to the NWS, the tornado formed rapidly during a series of severe thunderstorms that developed over western Wisconsin. The storm system, which also brought strong winds, hail, and heavy rain, intensified as it moved eastward, resulting in the funnel cloud making landfall.
Local authorities quickly issued emergency alerts through television, mobile notifications, and local sirens. Residents were urged to take immediate shelter, preferably in basements or interior rooms away from windows. In some areas, power outages were reported, and utility crews have been deployed to assess and restore affected services.
Eyewitnesses and local residents captured videos of the tornado as it moved through rural and semi-urban areas. The footage shows debris being lifted into the air and the characteristic funnel cloud stretching from the sky to the ground. Social media platforms were quickly flooded with posts documenting the event, many of which helped weather authorities confirm the tornado's track and strength.
St. Croix County officials reported that emergency response teams have been dispatched to assess the extent of the damage. Preliminary information suggests damage to some buildings, agricultural structures, and vehicles, but no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported so far. However, authorities have cautioned that full damage assessment will take time, especially in outlying areas.
In a public statement, a spokesperson for the St. Croix County Emergency Management Office said, “We are closely monitoring the situation and working with state and federal agencies to respond as quickly and safely as possible. Our primary concern is public safety, and we urge all residents to remain indoors until the situation is declared fully clear.”
Meteorologists are continuing to monitor the broader storm system, which may bring further severe weather to parts of Wisconsin and neighboring states. A tornado watch remains in effect for surrounding counties until weather conditions stabilize.
Schools in the affected area have announced closures or delayed openings for the following day, and some roads have been blocked off to allow emergency crews to operate safely. Residents are being asked to avoid non-essential travel and to check local news sources for updated information.
The incident highlights the importance of early warning systems and community preparedness in regions prone to severe weather. Authorities have credited local residents and emergency communication systems for responding promptly and effectively, reducing the potential risk of casualties.
As cleanup and recovery efforts begin, residents of New Richmond and the wider St. Croix County area are being offered temporary shelter and assistance through local government resources and community organizations.
