BELLEVILLE, WI – A powerful EF-1 tornado tore through the Belleville area of Dane County on Wednesday night, leaving at least two dozen homes damaged and forcing local officials to declare a state of emergency.
Storm Track and Intensity
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the tornado after conducting a ground damage survey. The storm packed estimated peak winds of 110 mph, carving a destructive path 2.75 miles long and 300 yards wide.
The NWS had issued a tornado warning for the area just after 7:00 p.m. Wednesday. Remarkably, despite the severity of the property damage, no injuries have been reported.
Widespread Property Destruction
The impact on the local community has been severe, with at least two families completely losing their homes. Local reports indicate a wide range of damage across the neighborhood:
- Residential Impact: Multiple houses suffered peeled shingles, stripped siding, damaged gutters, and collapsed garages.
- Infrastructure: Uprooted trees and downed power lines left debris scattered across roads. Emergency crews also successfully mitigated a hazardous gas leak caused by the storm.
- Landscape: Century-old trees were completely leveled, including a row of 60-foot willow trees.
The Village of Belleville issued an official declaration of emergency on Thursday. Local leaders are asking the public to strictly avoid the affected areas while utility crews and first responders clear the extensive debris.
Emergency Relief and Safety
The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross are currently on the ground assisting displaced families and affected residents.
Local officials emphasize that this incident highlights the critical importance of having multiple ways to receive weather alerts, as some residents reported not hearing community sirens before the storm hit.
