An EF-1 tornado tore through the Belleville area of Dane County, Wisconsin, damaging homes, garages, trees, power lines, businesses, and farm property during Wednesday night’s storms.
The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado after surveying the damage, according to WMTV. The tornado reached estimated peak winds of 110 mph along a path 2.75 miles long and 300 yards wide.
No injuries were reported, but the property damage was serious. WBAY reported that at least two families lost their homes, while Wisconsin Public Radio reported that at least two dozen homes were damaged.
The Village of Belleville issued a declaration of emergency after the storm. Crews were still working through debris Thursday, and village leaders asked the public to avoid the area during cleanup.
Homes, Garages, And Trees Took Heavy Damage
Video from the area showed damaged homes, uprooted trees, and downed power lines. WBAY reported that a gas leak was also mitigated, and the Salvation Army and American Red Cross were helping residents affected by the storm.
WMTV reported that several homes had significant damage, including peeled shingles, siding damage, damaged soffits, damaged gutters, and major garage damage.
One storm victim told WBAY that a line of pine trees and three 60-foot willow trees planted 30 years ago were gone.
The Warning Came Fast For Some Residents
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Wisconsin Public Radio reported that the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the area just after 7 p.m. Wednesday.
One resident told WBAY there was no siren where they were, but a weather alert prompted them to head for the basement. The house shook before they even reached the basement floor.
Another resident told Wisconsin Public Radio that she took shelter in the basement when the sirens went off. Her home was later described as totaled.
Storm Safety Starts Before The Siren
The CDC says the safest place at home during a tornado is the interior part of a basement.
If there is no basement, residents should move to an inside room without windows on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom, closet, or center hallway.
The Belleville damage shows why homeowners need alerts they can hear or receive quickly, a shelter spot chosen ahead of time, and a plan for pets, medication, shoes, flashlights, and insurance documents before severe weather reaches the neighborhood.