Mother Nature rears her head for Severe Weather Awareness Week

WOOD COUNTY – Wisconsin Severe Weather Awareness Week was from April 13-17, and Mother Nature made sure we were all aware. Heavy rain and thunderstorms have led to severe flooding, with the threat of tornadoes and further flooding continuing to loom.
The Wisconsin River has overflowed its banks in many places, flooding parks and walkways. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flooding is the deadliest thunderstorm-related hazard, with deaths often resulting from vehicles entering floodwaters or individuals walking near them. Many drowning deaths are preventable but occur because the force of rushing water is underestimated.
Safety is paramount: Never attempt to cross any floodwater, as water that appears calm can hide dangerous conditions underneath, whether it be damage, debris or a powerful current. It takes only six inches of fast-moving water to sweep an adult off their feet, while twelve inches can carry away a car, and two feet can displace larger trucks and SUVs.
In addition to flood risks, Greg Engle, Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator, noted that severe weather like tornadoes can manifest with almost no warning. While Wisconsin typically sees 23 tornadoes a year, 2025 saw a total of 39 confirmed by the National Weather Service (NWS), including a single-day outbreak of 15 tornadoes on May 15. The state’s spring season remains particularly volatile due to significant pressure and temperature shifts.
Avoid scammers
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is urging residents to exercise extreme caution when seeking repairs following the recent natural disasters. Transient crews, commonly known as “storm chasers,” are known to solicit door-to-door with promises of expedited, low-cost services. Unfortunately, these operators frequently deliver substandard work or, in some instances, vanish entirely after collecting an upfront payment. To ensure safety and quality, the DATCP recommends hiring established local contractors or seeking referrals from trusted sources such as neighbors or insurance providers.