Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency Wednesday for Chippewa, Dunn, and Clark counties after visiting areas hit by the strongest September tornado in Wisconsin since 2002.
“Last night’s tornado had a devastating impact on this area, leaving many homes badly damaged and a long road ahead to recovery for these communities,” Evers said of Tuesday’s storm.
Evers’ executive order allows state agencies and the Wisconsin National Guard to aid those affected by the storm’s damage.
No deaths were reported, with only minor injuries reported. The storm demolished buildings in Dunn and Chippewa Counties, as well as seriously damaged more than two dozen Wheaton homes.
The tornado’s strong winds took down trees and power lines, leaving thousands of utility customers without power. Dunn Energy Cooperative reported that its crews were working toward restoring power Wednesday.
The 25th tornado in Wisconsin this year traveled a 5.5-mile-long path, beginning one mile east-northeast of Elk Mound and ending seven miles east-northeast of the area, according to the National Weather Service.
It broke Wisconsin’s 17-year-long absence of a September F-3 tornado with 150 mile-per-hour winds.
Authorities have asked the public to avoid the area between 20th and 30th Streets near Highway 29 in Elk Mound, while tornado cleanup efforts began Wednesday. Additional cleanup projects in Chippewa County are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday this weekend.
