Thunderstorms developed in the Dakotas on the night of June 10th in response to very warm and humid air interacting with a stalled frontal system. The line of storms moved across Minnesota and into western Wisconsin on the morning of June 11th and continued across much of central, north central and northeast Wisconsin during the late morning and early afternoon hours.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS GRB wrote it up.
Thunderstorms developed in the Dakotas on the night of June 10th in response to very warm and humid air interacting with a stalled frontal system. The line of storms moved across Minnesota and into western Wisconsin on the morning of June 11th and continued across much of central, north central and northeast Wisconsin during the late morning and early afternoon hours.
The storms produced damaging winds, mainly north of Highway 29, downing numerous trees and power lines, flattening at least 2 barns, and causing roof damage to several other buildings. At one point, 55,000 people were without power.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Green Bay, WI wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jun 11, 8:21 AM CST, 2 hours 19 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED National Weather Service Green Bay WI 921 AM CDT Sun Jun 11 2017 New Information added to update section .UPDATE... Issued at 905 AM CDT Sun Jun 11 2017 Well developed bow echo producing widespread wind damage and wind gusts AOA 60 kts continues to race eastward across Minnesota. The environment downstream from the MCS is currently not quite as favorable for severe convection as that back in Minnesota. But surface dew points are increasing across the southern part of the forecast area. This area is also receiving some insolation through the lead part of the MCS' cirrus shield and some bands of ACCAS. So overall, the expectation is that the MCS will be able to maintain itself all the way across the forecast area. Extrapolation of current movement brings it through between 1130 am and 300 pm. There is a little more uncertainty on the track it will take through the area. Corfidi vectors for forward propagation favor movement ENE from it's current location, which would place area north of highway 29 (KAUW-KGRB) at the greatest risk. That is close to the location of the frontal boundary that sagged into the area overnight which is currently positioned from KCWA-KEZS-KOCQ- KSUE. However, the most unstable air is a little farther south, and meso plots indicate capping in that area is not very strong. So central and east-central Wisconsin are also at considerable risk. Per a request from SPC, we will be launching a 16Z RAOB to sample the environment downstream from the MCS. A final concern is the severe threat in the wake of the MCS. If it does track ENE and leaves the far southern part of the forecast area untouched, then additional development could occur as early as mid-late afternoon, and would pose a severe risk. If the MCS tracks farther south and overturns the air mass across the entire area, the likelihood of additional severe storms would be diminished and delayed until at least mid-late evening. && .SHORT TERM...Today...Tonight...and Monday Issued at 306 AM CDT Sun Jun 11 2017 Very challenging forecast during this stretch. Plenty of dynamics available for severe weather today and evening. Primary issue is timing and location. Early this morning a surface cold front was dropping southeastward over northeast Wisconsin. Temperatures were still warm south of the front with a few locations near 80 as of 2 am. Isolated weak convection along and near this front has been dissipating as the front works into the stronger capped region and mu capes slowly decrease. Weak high pressure was building into northwest Wisconsin to aid with the diminishing trend. But the quiet morning may turn more active late morning and especially this afternoon and into the evening. System of concern over the dakotas will approach the state today in the fast westerly flow across the Western Great Lakes region. The strongest convection over South Dakota was along the cap edge and intersection of the warm front. Extrapolation of this surface boundary and cap edge would take this heavier convection and likely MCS into central and east central Wisconsin today. But the forecast issue is, will this surface boundary and cap edge shift back north before the convection arrives as the weak surface high drifts east and return flow redevelops? latest HRRR lifts this boundary north today. ECMWF and GFS 850/300 thickness fields suggest a west to east movement of this convection today. Plenty of instability and shear available today. SPC Enhanced area of severe storms covers much of the forecast area and the uncertainty of the surface boundary and cap edge location. After this initial MCS slides through, surface boundary and outflow boundaries locations will continue to produce convection in the unstable and sheared environment this evening and tonight. Glance at the GRB forecast soundings show the cap edge may rebuild and focus the convection north of the area this evening, before the front drops southward overnight. But typical, afternoon convection will likely impact that scenario. As far as heavy rain and the potential of flooding or flash flooding, this initial convection will greatly affect later storm trends depending on boundary location. There is a marginal risk of severe storms on Monday as the surface boundary remains over central wisconsin and mu capes climb back to 2000 J/KG in the afternoon. .LONG TERM...Monday Night Through Saturday Issued at 306 AM CDT Sun Jun 11 2017 Forecast concerns continue to revolve around severe weather potential through the middle of this upcoming week. Will continue to use a multi-model blend for this forecast. Monday night through Tuesday night...Models continue to indicate that a stationary front will remained positioned over central to east-central WI on Monday night into Tuesday before returning northward again on Tuesday night. Confidence is low in these projected frontal positions, since outflow from convection could push this boundary further south. Regardless, elevated capes upwards of 1000 j/kg will lead to a continue threat of showers and thunderstorms along the front through the period. However, significant breaks are likely, especially on Tuesday as shortwave ridging moves overhead. Furthermore, not seeing evidence of a low level jet that could enhance convergence over the boundary, so think a severe threat over the period will be limited to whatever convection lingers from Monday afternoon into the evening. After a relatively lull in the precip on Tuesday, chances for showers and storms should increase once again on late Tuesday night as height falls commence. Rest of the forecast...Chances for a low end severe risk will ramp up again on Wednesday and Wednesday night when a cold front draws closer and passes across the region. Best chances appear to occur late Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night. Will not see much of a temperature drop behind the front for Thursday and Friday, though humidity levels should be lower. The next chance for widespread thunderstorms look to occur during the Friday thru Saturday period. && .AVIATION...for 12Z TAF Issuance Issued at 502 AM CDT Sun Jun 11 2017 A weak boundary was gradually dropping south over northeast Wisconsin this morning. At 5 am this boundary extended from around AUW to MNM. Mainly mid level clouds were observed across the area including along the boundary. Patchy dense fog was noted across the far north with a surface high pressure area. Location of this boundary may play a role with convection at the onset later this morning into the afternoon and evening. A thunderstorm complex moving into western minnesota this morning may tend to move along this boundary this afternoon. Some progs lift this boundary more north into northern Wisconsin today. The air mass will be very unstable with strong shear so the potential for severe storms is increasing. Will continue to focus this afternoon for a period of stronger storms in the tafs. && .HYDROLOGY... Issued at 306 AM CDT Sun Jun 11 2017 Some discussion of a Flash Flood Watch for part of northern Wisconsin. Lack of rain for a few days combined with boundary location concerns not providing enough confidence for a Watch at this time. But concerns remain for increasing river flows and river height rises in the coming days due to the periods of heavy rain today into the new work week. && .GRB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... NONE. && UPDATE.........Skowronski SHORT TERM.....TDH LONG TERM......MPC AVIATION.......TDH HYDROLOGY......TDH
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Green Bay WI 957 AM CDT Sun Jun 11 2017 WIZ005-010>013-018>022-030-031-035>040-045-048>050-073-074-121100- Vilas-Oneida-Forest-Florence-Northern Marinette County-Lincoln- Langlade-Menominee-Northern Oconto County-Door-Marathon-Shawano- Wood-Portage-Waupaca-Outagamie-Brown-Kewaunee-Waushara-Winnebago- Calumet-Manitowoc-Southern Marinette County- Southern Oconto County- 957 AM CDT Sun Jun 11 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north-central and northeast Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight Severe thunderstorms are likely today. A line of storms with damaging wind gusts will move across much of the area between 1100 am and 400 pm. Large hail and torrential rains will also be possible. The possibility exists that additional severe storms could affect the area during the late afternoon, evening, and overnight hours. But the risk for a second round of storms will depend heavily on how much the atmosphere is affected by the first round. Be sure to monitor later forecasts and statements throughout the day for updated information. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday Additional periods of thunderstorms will occur from Monday through the Wednesday night. It is difficult to pinpoint the specific timing and impacts of these storms, but it appears that a severe weather threat could develop on both Monday and Wednesday afternoon and evenings. The combination of very warm temperatures and humid air on Monday through Tuesday could result in conditions that are hazardous to people in poor health. The worst conditions are expected to be in central and east-central Wisconsin. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will be needed today. LMZ521-522-541>543-121100- The Bay of Green Bay south of a line from Cedar River MI to Rock Island Passage-Lake Michigan from Washington Island to Sheboygan- 957 AM CDT Sun Jun 11 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northwest Lake Michigan and the waters of Green Bay. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight Periods of thunderstorms will pose a hazard to mariners this afternoon and tonight. Some of the storms could produce wind gusts over 50 knots. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday Periods of thunderstorms are likely to occur from Monday through Wednesday night. The storms may pose a hazard to mariners. Dense fog will also be possible at times through Wednesday as a humid airmass settles across the region. Skowronski
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Green Bay WI 908 AM CDT Sun Jun 11 2017 WIZ005-010>013-018>022-030-031-035>040-045-048>050-073-074-111715- Vilas-Oneida-Forest-Florence-Northern Marinette County-Lincoln- Langlade-Menominee-Northern Oconto County-Door-Marathon-Shawano- Wood-Portage-Waupaca-Outagamie-Brown-Kewaunee-Waushara-Winnebago- Calumet-Manitowoc-Southern Marinette County- Southern Oconto County- 908 AM CDT Sun Jun 11 2017 ...LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ENTERING WESTERN WISCONSIN THIS MORNING IS EXPECTED TO MOVE INTO THE AREA LATER TODAY... A line of strong to severe thunderstorms now entering far western Wisconsin will move into portions of central and north-central Wisconsin between 11 am and 1 pm, including the following locations: Rhinelander Tomahawk, Merrill, Wausau, Mosinee, Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids and Stevens Point. The line of thunderstorms is expected to move into northeast and east-central Wisconsin between 1 pm and 230 pm, including the following communities of Marinette, Oconto, Shawano, Clintonville, Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh and Brillion. The storms should arrive along the lakeshore communities of Sturgeon Bay, Algoma, Kewaunee, Manitowoc and Two Rivers by 3 pm. The stronger storms will be capable of producing wind gusts up to 70 mph, large hail and torrential rainfall. && Eckberg
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Green Bay WI 1046 AM CDT Sun Jun 11 2017 WIZ005-010>012-018-019-030-035-036-111730- Vilas-Oneida-Forest-Florence-Lincoln-Langlade-Marathon-Wood- Portage- 1046 AM CDT Sun Jun 11 2017 ...LINE OF STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED THROUGH EARLY AFTERNOON... A line of strong to severe thunderstorms extended from near Hayward to Ladysmith to Chippewa Falls. The thunderstorms were moving to the east around 55 mph. The thunderstorms will move into portions of central and north-central Wisconsin by 1 pm, including the following locations: Rhinelander Tomahawk, Merrill, Wausau, Mosinee, Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids and Stevens Point. Boaters and campers should begin to seek safe shelter until the storms pass. Stay tuned to your favorite media source for possible warnings. Remember, a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 4 pm. && WIZ013-020>022-031-037>040-045-048>050-073-074-111730- Northern Marinette County-Menominee-Northern Oconto County-Door- Shawano-Waupaca-Outagamie-Brown-Kewaunee-Waushara-Winnebago- Calumet-Manitowoc-Southern Marinette County- Southern Oconto County- 1046 AM CDT Sun Jun 11 2017 ...LINE OF STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED ... A line of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to move into northeast and east-central Wisconsin between 1 pm and 230 pm, including the following communities of Marinette, Oconto, Shawano, Clintonville, Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh and Brillion. The storms should arrive along the lakeshore communities of Sturgeon Bay, Algoma, Kewaunee, Manitowoc and Two Rivers by 3 pm. The stronger storms will be capable of producing wind gusts up to 70 mph, large hail and torrential rainfall. Stay tuned for possible warnings. Remember, a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 4 pm. && Eckberg
The La Crosse radar (KARX), 144 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 16:39 UTC.
20 thunderstorm wind, 2 hail, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.
Thunderstorm winds sent tree branches flying across the road east of Colby.
Nickel size hail fell near Edgar.
Nickel size hail fell near Merrill.
Thunderstorm winds carried a 15 to 20 foot section of barn roof 400 to 500 yards into a field.
Thunderstorm winds destroyed a barn southwest of Gleason.
Thunderstorm winds downed multiple trees in Gleason.
Thunderstorm winds downed trees and tore shingles from roofs.
Thunderstorm winds snapped 18 inch diameter trees about 15 feet above the ground.
Thunderstorm winds uprooted a few trees near the intersection of Highway 155 and County Road N.
Thunderstorm winds downed 4 to 6 inch diameter trees.
Thunderstorm winds downed trees and power lines in Antigo.
Thunderstorm wind downed numerous trees and power lines.
Thunderstorm winds snapped a tree limb in Bowler.
Thunderstorm winds downed trees and power lines across Forest County. The time of this event is an estimate based on radar data.
Thunderstorm winds downed multiple trees and power lines across Keshena. Highway 55 had to be closed due to downed trees in the road. The time of this event is an estimate based on radar data.
Lightning caused a house fire in Keshena.
Thunderstorm winds downed numerous trees and power lines in Suring.
Thunderstorm winds heavily damaged the roof of a cottage and downed several trees near Breed.
Thunderstorm winds downed numerous trees northwest of Oconto Falls.
Thunderstorm winds caused a barn to collapse and tore the roof from another.
Thunderstorm winds overturned a pickup truck that was pulling a large trailer on Highway 41 near exit 198 outside of Oconto.
Pea size hail fell and thunderstorm winds downed trees across Highway 141.
Thunderstorm winds downed trees and power lines in Sturgeon Bay, Baileys Harbor, Fish Creek and Sister Bay. The time of this report was estimated for Sturgeon Bay based on radar data.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Wisconsin in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather historyWarnings in Wisconsin, June 2017
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 703037, 703032, 703035, 703039, 703041, 703042, 703045, 703046, 703047, 703049, 703050, 703052, 703053, 703054, 703056, 707795, 703058, 703062, 703064, 703070, 703086, 703072, 703074.