Taylor County Emergency Management

04/22/2026

A VERY HIGH fire danger in Taylor County means wildfires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn with intense heat—making them difficult to control.

Fire danger ratings reflect how likely a fire is to start and spread, based on weather conditions, dry vegetation (fuels), and landscape conditions. These factors can change quickly, especially with warm, dry, and windy weather.

During VERY HIGH fire danger:

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged
Even small sparks can quickly turn into wildfires
Fires can escape control faster than expected

Fire danger levels are used by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to determine daily burn restrictions—and in some cases, burning permits may be suspended altogether.

🚫 Think twice before burning—conditions can change fast.
📲 Check current restrictions before burning: https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/wisburn/ #/

Stay aware. Stay prepared. Help keep Taylor County safe.

04/22/2026

The National Weather Service is offering Weather101, a series of FREE, interactive online classes designed to help you better understand:

Meteorology basics
How forecasts are made
What the NWS does behind the scenes

👉 Check it out here: https://www.weather.gov/ohx/weather101

⏰ There’s still time to join tonight’s session!
Tonight’s topic dives into storm damage surveys—how they’re conducted and what it takes to assess severe weather impacts in the field.

This is a great opportunity for weather enthusiasts, storm spotters, and anyone wanting a deeper understanding of severe weather and how it’s evaluated. Stay informed. Stay prepared.

04/20/2026

Do you have an interest in weather or want to help keep your community safe? Now is your chance to step up and make a difference!

Taylor County Emergency Management is looking for volunteer storm spotters to help monitor and report severe weather conditions. Your reports play a critical role in protecting lives and property during severe weather events.

Join us for an upcoming Storm Spotter Training:
April 28th
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Taylor County Courthouse 224 S 2nd Street in Medford

This FREE training will teach you how to safely identify and report severe weather, including tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds.

For more information, call 715-748-3503
Learn more: https://www.weather.gov/skywarn/

Whether you're a weather enthusiast or just want to serve your community, we welcome you to be part of the team.

Be the eyes on the sky when it matters most. Join Taylor County Storm Spotters today!

04/17/2026

⚠️ THIS ALERT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE OR HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY ANOTHER ALERT ⚠️

Tornado Warning issued April 17 at 3:15PM CDT until April 17 at 3:30PM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI

SUMMARY:
--------
At 315 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 9 miles northwest of Medford, moving northeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.

This dangerous storm will be near...
Chelsea around 325 PM CDT.
Westboro around 330 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include The
Mondeaux Flowage, North Twin Lake, Perkinstown, County Roads D And N,
Esadore Lake, Camp Forest Spring, and Kathryn Lake.

AFFECTS: Taylor, WI

INSTRUCTION: TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

URL TO CAMPAIGN DETAILS (WITH UP-TO-DATE WEATHER ALERT DETAILS):
https://hrpow.us/VnzWTit

URGENCY: Immediate

SEVERITY: Extreme

CERTAINTY: Observed

EFFECTIVE DATE: 4/17/26 3:15 PM CST

EXPIRATION DATE: 4/17/26 3:30 PM CST

FULL ALERT TEXT:
----------------
At 315 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 9 miles northwest of Medford, moving northeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.

This dangerous storm will be near...
Chelsea around 325 PM CDT.
Westboro around 330 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include The
Mondeaux Flowage, North Twin Lake, Perkinstown, County Roads D And N,
Esadore Lake, Camp Forest Spring, and Kathryn Lake.

See the full message w/ attachments at:
https://hrpow.us/VnzWTit

04/17/2026

⚠️ THIS ALERT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE OR HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY ANOTHER ALERT ⚠️

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 17 at 2:49PM CDT until April 17 at 3:15PM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI

SUMMARY:
--------
At 249 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 14 miles north of
Thorp, or 17 miles west of Medford, moving northeast at 50 mph.

HAZARD...Golf ball size hail.

SOURCE...Trained weather spotters.

IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect damage
to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles.

This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
western Taylor County, including the following locations... Polley,
Gilman, The Mondeaux Flowage, North Twin Lake, Perkinstown, County
Roads D And N, and The Miller Dam Flowage.

AFFECTS: Taylor, WI

INSTRUCTION: A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for central
Wisconsin.

This storm is producing large hail. SEEK SHELTER NOW inside a sturdy
structure and stay away from windows.

URL TO CAMPAIGN DETAILS (WITH UP-TO-DATE WEATHER ALERT DETAILS):
https://hrpow.us/O4RFbSK

URGENCY: Immediate

SEVERITY: Severe

CERTAINTY: Observed

EFFECTIVE DATE: 4/17/26 2:49 PM CST

EXPIRATION DATE: 4/17/26 3:15 PM CST

FULL ALERT TEXT:
----------------
At 249 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 14 miles north of
Thorp, or 17 miles west of Medford, moving northeast at 50 mph.

HAZARD...Golf ball size hail.

SOURCE...Trained weather spotters.

IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect damage
to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles.

This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
western Taylor County, including the following locations... Polley,
Gilman, The Mondeaux Flowage, North Twin Lake, Perkinstown, County
Roads D And N, and The Miller Dam Flowage.

See the full message w/ attachments at:
https://hrpow.us/O4RFbSK

04/17/2026

⚠️ THIS ALERT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE OR HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY ANOTHER ALERT ⚠️

Tornado Warning issued April 17 at 2:50PM CDT until April 17 at 3:30PM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI

SUMMARY:
--------
TORARX

The National Weather Service in La Crosse has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
Western Taylor County in north central Wisconsin...

* Until 330 PM CDT.

* At 250 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 13 miles north of Thorp, or 17 miles west of Medford,
moving northeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.

* This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
western Taylor County, including the following locations... Polley,
The Mondeaux Flowage, Perkinstown, Camp Forest Spring, Kathryn
Lake, Gilman, and North Twin Lake.

AFFECTS: Taylor, WI

INSTRUCTION: TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

URL TO CAMPAIGN DETAILS (WITH UP-TO-DATE WEATHER ALERT DETAILS):
https://hrpow.us/lJZ0hrD

URGENCY: Immediate

SEVERITY: Extreme

CERTAINTY: Observed

EFFECTIVE DATE: 4/17/26 2:50 PM CST

EXPIRATION DATE: 4/17/26 3:30 PM CST

FULL ALERT TEXT:
----------------
TORARX

The National Weather Service in La Crosse has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
Western Taylor County in north central Wisconsin...

* Until 330 PM CDT.

* At 250 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 13 miles north of Thorp, or 17 miles west of Medford,
moving northeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.

* This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
western Taylor County, including the following locations... Polley,
The Mondeaux Flowage, Perkinstown, Camp Forest Spring, Kathryn
Lake, Gilman, and North Twin Lake.

See the full message w/ attachments at:
https://hrpow.us/lJZ0hrD

04/17/2026

⚠️ THIS ALERT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE OR HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY ANOTHER ALERT ⚠️

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued April 17 at 2:36PM CDT until April 17 at 3:15PM CDT by NWS La Crosse WI

SUMMARY:
--------
SVRARX

The National Weather Service in La Crosse has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Northwestern Clark County in central Wisconsin...
Western Taylor County in north central Wisconsin...

* Until 315 PM CDT.

* At 236 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles northeast
of Stanley, or 26 miles west of Medford, moving northeast at 55
mph.

HAZARD...Quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Damage to vehicles is expected.

* This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
northwestern Clark and western Taylor Counties, including the
following locations... Polley, Gilman, The Mondeaux Flowage, North
Twin Lake, Perkinstown, County Roads D And N, and The Miller Dam
Flowage.

AFFECTS: Clark, WI; Taylor, WI

INSTRUCTION: For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for central
Wisconsin.

URL TO CAMPAIGN DETAILS (WITH UP-TO-DATE WEATHER ALERT DETAILS):
https://hrpow.us/WsnCIZN

URGENCY: Immediate

SEVERITY: Severe

CERTAINTY: Observed

EFFECTIVE DATE: 4/17/26 2:36 PM CST

EXPIRATION DATE: 4/17/26 3:15 PM CST

FULL ALERT TEXT:
----------------
SVRARX

The National Weather Service in La Crosse has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Northwestern Clark County in central Wisconsin...
Western Taylor County in north central Wisconsin...

* Until 315 PM CDT.

* At 236 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles northeast
of Stanley, or 26 miles west of Medford, moving northeast at 55
mph.

HAZARD...Quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Damage to vehicles is expected.

* This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
northwestern Clark and western Taylor Counties, including the
following locations... Polley, Gilman, The Mondeaux Flowage, North
Twin Lake, Perkinstown, County Roads D And N, and The Miller Dam
Flowage.

See the full message w/ attachments at:
https://hrpow.us/WsnCIZN

04/17/2026

Turn Around, Don’t Drown (TADD) is more than a slogan—it’s a lifesaver.

Just 6 inches of water can knock you off your feet.

12–18 inches can sweep away your car—even SUVs and trucks.

Most flood deaths happen when people try to drive through water.

Stay safe. Stay alert. If you see water, don’t risk it—Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

04/16/2026

Do you know where to go if you are home.

04/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: April 16, 2026
Contact, Daniel L Gellert
Emergency Management Director
715-748-3503 or daniel.gellert@co.taylor.wi.us
Severe Weather and Tornado Activity Update – Taylor County
Taylor County Emergency Management is providing an updated report following severe weather that moved through the county on April 13, 2026.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has completed its storm survey and confirmed that a tornado occurred in western Taylor County, just north of the Village of Gilman. The tornado has been officially rated EF0, with estimated peak winds of approximately 80 mph.
According to the NWS survey, the tornado touched down approximately 3 miles northwest of Gilman and traveled northeast through primarily rural areas. The tornado path measured 3.54 miles in length with a maximum width of 20 yards. The event was well documented through photos and videos submitted by the public.
Damage along the path was minor and consisted mainly of impacts to outbuildings and scattered tree damage. Despite the visibility of the tornado, little to no significant structural damage occurred. There were no reported injuries or fatalities associated with this event.
Taylor County Emergency Management worked closely with the National Weather Service La Crosse office during the damage assessment process and appreciates their coordination and support.
Regarding the previously reported possible tornado in the Chelsea area, no evidence was found to confirm a tornado touchdown. Taylor County Emergency Management did not receive any damage reports from that area, and follow-up assessments did not identify any storm-related impacts. Based on available information, it is likely that this was a funnel cloud that did not reach the ground.
Residents are reminded to remain vigilant during severe weather events and to report storm damage or suspicious weather activity to local authorities.
# # # End # # #

04/15/2026

This drill has been cancelled and will not happen till next year.

WISCONSIN STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILLS CANCELED!

The annual statewide tornado drills for Wisconsin scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, are being canceled in light of recent severe weather events that have impacted communities across Wisconsin. There will not be an alternate date for these drills.

Learn more: https://wem.wi.gov/wisconsin-tornado-drills-canceled-2026/

04/15/2026

During damaging wind events, prioritize safety by seeking shelter indoors, staying away from windows, and securing loose outdoor items. If driving, reduce speed and maintain distance from other vehicles, and pull over to a safe location if necessary.