COLBY, Wis (WXCO) – The National Weather Service determined an EF-2 twister struck Colby Thursday night, packing winds of 120 mph.

At 5:21 p.m., NWS La Crosse says this tornado developed in fields west of Unity before tracking northeast toward Colby. As it moved through rural areas of northeastern Clark County, it damaged multiple farm outbuildings, trees, power poles, and a home. This home had the majority of its roof removed – the severe structural damage being a major factor in its classification as an EF-2.

Colby, WI: NWS La Crosse Storm Survey conducted May 16.

The tornado tracked through the southeastern edge of Colby damaging another home, multiple outbuildings, power poles, and a car dealership before dissipating around 5:28 p.m. It was on the ground for 4.5 miles and was 150 yards wide.

Another tornado was rated an EF-1 with winds at 95 mph. It was on the ground for a half mile near Christie around 4:47 p.m., lasting about one minute. The NWS La Crosse survey summary concluded that the short-lived tornado snapped the trunks of a few large trees southwest of town. The diameter of the trees that were snapped was large enough to support a preliminary EF-1 rating.

An additional twister, rated an EF-0 tornado, spun up and touched the ground in rural areas between Christie and Loyal. As the twister tracked northeast with 85 mph winds, it damaged multiple trees and removed a portion of a fam building’s roof. This tornado touched down at 4:55 p.m. and lifted at 4:58 p.m.

Loyal, WI: NWS La Crosse Storm Survey conducted May 16.

Want More Local News?

Civic Media

The Civic Media App