Strong Wind in Wisconsin, September 29, 1997

Damaging southwest to west gradient winds wrecked havoc on parts of southeast and southcentral Wisconsin, downing numerous tree limbs which then pulled down power lines across several counties. Maximum winds gusts were generally in the 40 to 55 mph range, which normally wouldn't result in much damage. However, the long duration of the strong gusty winds in this episode probably played a role in weakening both small and large tree branches. At least 2500 customers lost electrical power in Milwaukee and Racine counties due to downed power lines. A man was injured in Janesville (Rock Co) when the strong winds blew over a 10 foot square metal rack on to him. He was treated and released at a local hospital. In Twin Lakes, several tents at a musical festival were blown over and damaged. Visibilities were reduced to zero near Hartland (Waukesha Co) downwind of a freshly plowed field. The Kenosha ASOS (Kenosha Co) recorded a peak gust of 54 mph (47 knots), while gusts to 49 mph (43 knots) were noted just north of downtown Milwaukee (Milwaukee Co). The National Weather Service Forecast Office southeast of Sullivan (Jefferson Co) measured a wind gust at 51 mph (44 knots). Most of these peak gusts ocurred in the late morning and early afternoon hours. In addition, a new record low barometric pressure for the month of September was set at Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport. At 1056 CST, it dipped to 29.30 inches, breaking the old record of 29.31 inches set on September 29th in 1966.