What caused the severe storms?
A combination of a warm, moist airmass and a cold front.
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ARTICLE DETAIL
Severe Storms Impacting the Midwest on May 15, 2025 | Indiana Faces Tornado Risk Amid Severe Storms | Severe Weather Threatens Mid-South, Tennessee, and Kentucky | Georgia Weather Seesaw: Storms, Heat, and Cool Down | Blizzard Warning Issued for Cascades as Winter Storm Approaches | Inland Northwest Weather Update: High Winds and Rainy Week Ahead | Severe Weather Forecast Across the Midwest | Phoenix Weather: Storms Followed by Potential Record Heat | Preparing for Snowmelt and Basement Flooding Risks | Severe Storms Impacting the Midwest on May 15, 2025 | Indiana Faces Tornado Risk Amid Severe Storms | Severe Weather Threatens Mid-South, Tennessee, and Kentucky | Georgia Weather Seesaw: Storms, Heat, and Cool Down | Blizzard Warning Issued for Cascades as Winter Storm Approaches | Inland Northwest Weather Update: High Winds and Rainy Week Ahead | Severe Weather Forecast Across the Midwest | Phoenix Weather: Storms Followed by Potential Record Heat | Preparing for Snowmelt and Basement Flooding Risks
Weather / Severe Weather
Severe Storms Impacting the Midwest on May 15, 2025
On May 15, 2025, a line of strong to severe thunderstorms impacted parts of the Midwest, bringing threats of tornadoes, large hail, and strong winds. The storms were fueled by an unseasonably warm and moist airmass interacting with a cold f...
Key Insights
- Three tornadoes touched down in Clark County, WI, including an EF2 tornado near Unity and Colby.
- The largest hail reported was 2" in diameter in Humbird, WI.
- Strong wind gusts, not directly associated with the thunderstorms, were caused by a "wake low" phenomenon.
- Multiple reports of hail and high winds came in from Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
In-Depth Analysis
The severe weather event on May 15, 2025, was triggered by a combination of factors. A warm, moist airmass created an unstable environment, while a cold front provided the necessary lift to initiate thunderstorm development. An initial atmospheric cap prevented storms from forming until surface temperatures warmed sufficiently. Once the cap was broken, storms quickly intensified and became severe. The primary threats included large hail and tornadoes. Damage surveys confirmed three tornadoes in Clark County, Wisconsin. Additionally, numerous reports of large hail were received from across the region. The strongest wind gusts were attributed to a "wake low," a phenomenon where sinking air behind a line of thunderstorms creates a pressure gradient, leading to strong winds. Hail Reports: - Humbird, WI (Clark County): 2.00" - Adams, WI (Adams County): 1.75" - Alma Center, WI (Jackson County): 1.75" - Buckhorn State Park (Juneau County, WI): 1.75"
Wind Reports: - Rochester International Airport (Olmsted County, MN): 64 MPH - U.S.14 - Byron - MP 200 (Dodge County, MN): 58 MPH - U.S.61 - Kellogg - MP 53 (Wabasha County, MN): 56 MPH - La Crosse Regional Airport (La Crosse County, WI): 55 MPH - NEILLSVILLE (Clark County, WI): 53 MPH
FAQ
Where did the tornadoes occur?
Three tornadoes touched down in Clark County, WI.
What is a "wake low?"
A phenomenon where sinking air behind a line of thunderstorms creates a pressure gradient, leading to strong winds.
Takeaways
- Severe weather can develop rapidly when atmospheric conditions are favorable.
- Be aware of the potential for large hail, tornadoes, and strong winds during severe thunderstorm events.
- Stay informed by monitoring weather forecasts and warnings from reliable sources.
- The strongest wind gusts may not always be associated with the thunderstorms themselves.
Discussion
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Sources
Disclaimer
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