Severe weather moved across central Wisconsin Thursday, tornadoes confirmed in Colby and Loyal

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Severe weather moved across central Wisconsin Thursday, tornadoes confirmed in Colby and Loyal

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin reporters provided updates throughout the day Thursday, May 15 as thunderstorms moved across central Wisconsin. The area was in

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, according to the National Weather Service, and most counties in the region were under severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado warnings for a portion of the late afternoon and evening.

The National Weather Service also confirmed two tornadoes touched down in Loyal and Colby. Additional information about those tornadoes and any damage that resulted was not immediately available.

Share photos of damage from Thursday storms that moved across Wausau, Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids and Stevens Point areas

Do you have photos of large hail or damage from storms that moved across central Wisconsin Thursday, May 15.

If so, please share them with us to run in an online gallery, on social media and possibly to run in our print publication.

You can share photos online

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and completing the submission form or email *****@*****.tld. Please include who took the photo, a location of the damage, when it occurred, and any other information to describe what is pictured in the photo.

— Jamie Rokus

Tornado warning issued for Portage County until 7 p.m.

At 6:16 p.m., the National Weather Service in Green Bay issued a tornado warning for northeastern Portage County until 7 p.m. Thursday.

At 6:15 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Whiting, 7 miles southeast of Stevens Point, moving northeast at 35 mph.

Radar indicated rotation.

Locations impacted include Stevens Point, Whiting, Amherst, Plover, Stockton, Jordan, Rosholt, Amherst Junction, Peru, Nelsonville, Polonia, North Star, Ellis, Fancher, Arnott, Custer, Standing Rock Park and Keene.

— Caitlin Shuda

Tornado warning issued for Marathon County until 7 p.m.

At 6:05 p.m. May 15, the National Weather Service in Green Bay issued a tornado warning for eastern Marathon County until 7 p.m. Thursday.

At 6:05 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 8 miles southeast of Mosinee and 10 miles north of Stevens Point, moving north at 40 mph.

Locations impacted include Wausau, Weston, Mosinee, Rothschild, Schofield, Knowlton, Ringle, Hatley, Evergreen, Glandon, Nutterville, Sunset, Peplin, Camp Phillips Scout Camp, Hogarty, Rocky Corners and Shantytown.

Radar indicated rotation.

— Caitlin Shuda

New tornado warning issued for Portage and Marathon counties until 6:30 p.m.

At 5:46 p.m. May 15, the National Weather Service in Green Bay issued a tornado warning for northwestern Portage County and southeastern Marathon County until 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

At 5:46 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable producing a tornado was located near Whiting and Stevens Point, moving northeast at 25 mph, according to the NWS.

Radar indicated rotation.

— Caitlin Shuda

A tornado that hit Colby, Wisconsin, shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025, downed about 20 power structures along State 13 and Hi Line Road. According to Xcel Energy’s electrical outage map, nearly 500 customers in the Colby, Spencer and Unity areas were without power as of 12 a.m. Friday, May 16.

Tornado confirmed on the ground near Colby

At 5:21 p.m. May 15, the National Weather Service in La Crosse confirmed a tornado located near Colby, or 20 miles south of Medford, moving northeast at 45 mph, including quarter-sized hail.

Law enforcement confirmed a tornado on the ground, according to the National Weather Service.

Abbotsford, Dorchester, Colby, Unity and Riplinger are expected to be impacted.

— Caitlin Shuda

Tornado warning issued for Portage County until 6 p.m.

At 5:11 p.m. the National Weather Service Green Bay issued a tornado warning for northwestern Portage County until 6 p.m. Thursday.

A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Wisconsin Rapids, moving north at 35 mph, including quarter-sized hail.

Radar indicated rotation.

— Caitlin Shuda

Tornado warning issued for Wood and Marathon counties until 6 p.m.

At 5:12 p.m. May 15, the National Weather Service in Green Bay issued a tornado warning for northwestern Wood County and southwestern Marathon County until 6 p.m. Thursday.

At 5:11 p.m. Thursday, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 8 miles southwest of Marshfield, moving northeast at 45 miles-per-hour, including quarter-sized hail. Radar indicated rotation.

At 5:11 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Wisconsin Rapids, moving north at 35 mph. Radar indicated rotation.

— Caitlin Shuda

Tornado warning issued for Adams County

At 5:06 p.m. May 15, the National Weather Service in La Crosse issued a tornado warning for northeastern Adams County until 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

The NWS reported a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Adams and Friendship moving northeast at 45 mph, including quarter-sized hail.Radar has indicated rotation.

— Caitlin Shuda

Tornado confirmed on the ground in Loyal

At 5:03 p.m. May 15, the National Weather Service in La Crosse reported a confirmed tornado located in Loyal at 5:02 p.m. Thursday, moving northeast at 35 mph, including quarter-sized hail.

The tornado was confirmed by law enforcement, according to the National Weather Service.

— Caitlin Shuda

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Marathon County

At 4:50 p.m. May 15, the National Weather Service Green Bay issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Marathon County until 5:45 p.m. Thursday.

At 4:49 p.m. Thursday, severe thunderstorms were found along a line near Wisconsin Rapids, moving north at 60 mph with quarter-sized hail.

Hail damage is expected to vehicles, and wind damage is expected to roofs, siding and trees.

— Caitlin Shuda

Tornado warning issued for Clark County until 5:15 p.m.

At 4:30 p.m. May 15, the National Weather Service in La Crosse issued a tornado warning for central Clark County until 5:15 p.m. Thursday.

At 4:29 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was found 7 miles east of Humbird and 8 miles west of Neillsville, moving northeast at 40 mph, according to the NWS. Radar indicated rotation and quarter-sized hail.

The storm is expected to be near Neillsville around 4:35 p.m. and Loyal and Greenwood around 4:50 p.m. Thursday.

The NWS warns flying debris will be dangerous to those without shelter, and mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.

— Caitlin Shuda

Ping pong ball-sized hail reported with storm moving through Juneau and Monroe counties

At 4:26 p.m. May 15, the National Weather Service in La Crosse reported a severe thunderstorm in Juneau and Monroe counties near New Lisbon, about 11 miles east of Tomah, moving northeast at 35 mph that included ping pong ball-sized hail and wind gusts at 60 mph.

People and animals outside will be injured, according to the NWS, and people should expect hail and wind damage to roofs, siding, windows, vehicles and trees.

— Caitlin Shuda

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Wood and Portage counties

At 4:20 p.m. May 15, the National Weather Service in Green Bay issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Wood County and western Portage County until 5:15 p.m. Thursday.

At 4:20 p.m., severe thunderstorms were located near Necedah and Friendship, moving north at 60 mph, including wind gusts at 60 mph and quarter-sized hail. Hail damage is expected to vehicles, and wind damage is expected to roofs, siding and trees.

— Caitlin Shuda

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Juneau and Adams counties

At 4:07 p.m. May 15, the National Weather Service in La Crosse issued a severe thunderstorm warning for eastern Juneau County and Adams County until 5:15 p.m. Thursday.

According to the warning, the storm could include 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail.

— Caitlin Shuda

Thunderstorm warning issued for Juneau County, with quarter-sized hail

At 3:59 p.m. May 15, the National Weather Service in La Crosse issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southwestern Juneau County until 4:45 p.m. Thursday. The warning includes northeastern Vernon and southeastern Monroe counties, as well.

At 3:58 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Hillsboro, moving northeast at 35 mph, including 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail.

The NWS warns hail damage to vehicles is expected, and people should expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.

— Caitlin Shuda

NWS says staffing cuts & service reductions won’t have ‘significant impact’ on forecasting today’s storm

When asked if recent reports regarding a reduction of services due to

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will have any impact on forecasting today’s storm, National Weather Service Public Affairs Specialist Erica Grow Cei said the agency “will ensure resilience and continuity of mission-critical functions and does not anticipate a significant impact in services” in an email to a USA TODAY NETWORK – Wisconsin reporter.

The

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that the National Weather Service Green Bay office would launch one weather balloon per day instead of its typical two due to staffing shortages. The Green Bay office is the only National Weather Service office that launches weather balloons in Wisconsin, according

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.

“Several local NWS offices are temporarily operating below around-the-clock staffing. NWS is mitigating impacts by temporarily reassigning meteorologists and directing nearby offices to provide additional support,” Cei said.

The National Weather Service is seeking to fill 155 positions ahead of hurricane season beginning on June 1, according to

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. The service’s governing agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, offered reassignment opportunities to its employees working in other departments.

“NWS is prepared to meet the rigorous demands of hurricane season and will continue to prioritize the safety and security of the American people,” Cei said.

— Erik Pfantz

Stevens Point Police Department opens lobby for shelter

The Stevens Point Police Department announced it

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in Stevens Point for individuals who may need shelter during the May 15 storms.

The lobby will be open to the public and chairs and restrooms will be available. People will need to push the red button to speak to dispatch and request access to the lobby when they arrive, according to the announcement.

— Caitlin Shuda

Tornado watch issued until 10 p.m. includes more Central Wisconsin counties

At 3:05 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch until 10 p.m. for several counties in Wisconsin, including Adams, Juneau, Marathon, Portage, Waupaca and Wood counties in central Wisconsin.

The watch also includes Adams, Brown, Calumet, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Lafayette, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marquette, Menominee, Milwaukee, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Portage, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Shawano, Sheboygan, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago and Wood counties.

— Caitlin Shuda

Tornado watch issued until 8 p.m. May 15 includes a couple of Central Wisconsin counties

At 12:45 p.m. May 15, the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch until 8 p.m. Thursday for counties in western Wisconsin, including a couple in the Central Wisconsin area.

The watch includes Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau and Washburn counties.

— Caitlin Shuda

Where are the safest places to shelter during a severe storm?

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The National Weather Service Green Bay shared graphics on where to go during severe weather.

The National Weather Service in Green Bay shared tips on where to find safe places to shelter during a storm

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on its

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page.

The safest place to be during storms is inside, away from doors, windows and outer walls. According to graphics the NWS Green Bay shared, top floor rooms and exterior rooms or rooms with windows do not provide protection. Basements with emergency supply kits are the safest options. If you don’t have a basement, an interior room with no windows will provide security.

For those who are traveling during severe storms, the NWS suggests getting off the road and driving to a designated shelter, basement or safe room.

Do not look for refuge outside, under an overpass or under a tree. Those options put you at greater risk of injury or death from flying debris or powerful winds.

If shelter is not available to you, stay in the vehicle with your seat belt on and your head below the windows with your hands covering your head. You can also find a ditch lower than the roadway to lay in with your hands covering your head, according to a graphic shared by the NWS Green Bay.

— Caitlin Shuda

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The National Weather Service Green Bay shared graphics on where to go during severe weather.

Weather radio transmitters out of service before expected severe weather Thursday

Central and Northeast Wisconsin residents are without weather radio coverage as severe weather approaches May 15.

The National Weather Service in Green Bay is updating its Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System, which is expected to be completed by the evening of May 15, according to a

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. Weather radio broadcast was offline since the start of the update at 8 a.m. May 13.

Nine transmitters across central and northeastern Wisconsin are listed on the National Weather Service

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as “OUT OF SERVICE.” Locations with affected transmitters include Wausau, Green Bay, Rhinelander, Coloma and New London.

No other impacts to core services of forecasts and weather watches, warnings and advisories, are expected, according to the news release.

Forecast operations will be conducted by the National Weather Service back-up office in Milwaukee, the news release said. The radar station near Green Bay, called KGRB, will remain active and the National Weather Service Green Bay office will remain open and staffed through the software update, according to the release.

— Erik Pfantz

A timeline and what to expect as afternoon storms approach central Wisconsin

A broken line of storms will form over Central Wisconsin between 3 and 5 p.m. May 15 and move northeast out of the area by 7 to 8 p.m., Kira Jesse, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Green Bay told a USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin reporter Thursday morning.

Jesse said it is unlikely we will see a strong line of storms approaching Central Wisconsin, as they will be forming over the area.

All severe weather threats are possible with these storms, including tornadoes, large hail and strong winds, Jesse said.

Jesse encouraged anyone who lives in a less-sturdy building to create a backup plan for where to go when the storms approach, including with a friend, neighbor or relative. If a warning is issued, get to your planned safe location.

Jesse also said anyone in the path of the storms should have multiple ways to receive warning alerts including via television, radio, internet and cell phones.

— Erik Pfantz

Central Wisconsin weather radar

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?

When a tornado watch is in place tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area, according to the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service suggests people who are in the warning area review and discuss their emergency plans, check supplies and have a safe room incase the weather takes a turn for the worse.

What is a tornado warning?

When a 

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 is issued it means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property.

Here are some suggestions from the National Weather Service if a tornado warning is issued for your area:

Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building

If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris

Warnings typically are for a much smaller area that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on 

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, a 

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 or law enforcement who is watching the storm, according to National Weather Service.

Tornado warnings are issued by your 

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.

This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal:

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#Severe #weather #moved #central #Wisconsin #Thursday #tornadoes #confirmed #Colby #Loyal

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