A line of thunderstorms moved across western Wisconsin during the afternoon of June 27th. These storms produced some spotty wind damage with trees blow down in La Crosse (La Crosse County), Sparta (Monroe County) and Viroqua (Vernon County).
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 ARX wrote it up.
A line of thunderstorms moved across western Wisconsin during the afternoon of June 27th. These storms produced some spotty wind damage with trees blow down in La Crosse (La Crosse County), Sparta (Monroe County) and Viroqua (Vernon County). A home southeast of Coon Valley (Vernon County) was hit by lightning and destroyed by the resulting fire.
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 La Crosse, WI wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jun 27, 10:58 AM CST, 1 hour 28 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service La Crosse WI 1158 AM CDT Thu Jun 27 2019 .SHORT TERM...(Today through Friday Night) Issued at 231 AM CDT Thu Jun 27 2019 Main concern will be the potential for severe thunderstorms this afternoon with damaging wind the main threat along with large hail. Heavy rain potential as well going into tonight with some localized flooding possible. Quiet right now across the area early this morning as a ridge of high pressure was passing overhead. GOES IR showing mostly clear skies as of 2 am with temperatures ranging from the middle 50s in the favored cool spots of central WI, to the middle/upper 60s elsewhere. Monitoring complex of thunderstorms across western Dakotas this morning. This complex is forecast to weaken somewhat this morning with remnant MCV progress eastward toward the area by late morning/early afternoon. Increasing moisture transport/heating ahead of the MCV is expected to re-energize thunderstorms per latest CAMs showing strong quasi-linear complex pushing into the area in the 18- 19z timeframe. Plenty of CAPE for fuel but there is the question of whether storms can become rooted in the boundary layer for widespread damaging wind threat. Latest RAP sounding showing CAP eroding with the approach of this convection, so this would suggest becoming rooted. Of note is the latest 04z ESRL HRRR which shows pockets of 35 to 45kt max hrly gusts. Previous 02z HRRR output was showing pockets of 50-55kt...so maybe remaining a bit more elevated per latest trends? Cape of 2500-4500J/Kg would suggest some larger hail potential. Will have to keep an eye on how this complex behaves and how our environment evolves ahead of it. Otherwise, plan on highs today well into the 80s despite increasing cloud cover and convection. Some CAMs suggesting this complex throwing out a boundary for increasing moisture transport this evening/tonight to focus on for additional storm development. Preciptable water values creeping into the 1.5-2 inch range will likely produce some very efficient heavy rain-makers. If storms anchor/train, could see some localized flooding problems. Lingering frontal boundary from eastern WI into northern IA Friday into Friday night will be the focus/trigger for additional shower/thunderstorm chances. Otherwise, an increasing warm/humid day on tap friday. Highs will again be well into the 80s with dew points in the upper 60s/lower 70s. Low Friday night will be in the 60s/lower 70s. .LONG TERM...(Saturday through Wednesday) Issued at 231 AM CDT Thu Jun 27 2019 Increasing heat and humidity Saturday through Sunday as upper level ridge amplifies across the region. Highs are expected to be in the upper 80s to the mid 90s with dew points mainly in the lower 70s. This will produce maximum afternoon heat indices in the 95-105 range. May need eventual headlines for this heat. There may also be a small chance showers/thunderstorms Sat N/Sun as there are some indications of a weak wave coming around the top of the ridge. A cold front drives southward into the area Sunday night/Monday for a chance of showers/storms. Highs Monday look to back down into the 80-90 degree range with slightly lower humidity. Flattening ridge/more high zonal flow Tues into Wednesday brings a couple weak troughs through the region for shower/thunder chances. Otherwise, remaining warm with slightly elevated humidity. && .AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Friday afternoon) Issued at 1158 AM CDT Thu Jun 27 2019 Line of TSRA will move through KLSE early this afternoon with IFR visibilities along with strong winds of 30 to 40 kts. Behind this initial line of storms, there likely will be a break in more widespread SHRA/T following this complex of storms, but a second round of TSRA is still expected later this evening or overnight. However, adjustments in timing will likely be needed as trends become clearer. Winds will generally remain southerly outside of storms into Friday. && .HYDROLOGY...Today into Tonight Issued at 231 AM CDT Thu Jun 27 2019 Moisture and instability will be increasing over the area today into tonight, with potential for storms to train and repeat over some locations. Where this occurs is uncertain yet, but given higher available moisture, any storm will be capable of producing downpours and locally heavy rains. These heavier rains falling on generally moist soils could produce excessive runoff and the threat of flooding or flash flooding. && .ARX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... WI...None. MN...None. IA...None. && SHORT TERM...DAS LONG TERM....DAS AVIATION...JM HYDROLOGY....DAS
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service La Crosse WI 917 AM CDT Thu Jun 27 2019 IAZ008>011-018-019-029-030-MNZ079-086>088-094>096-WIZ017-029- 032>034-041>044-053>055-061-281430- Mitchell-Howard-Winneshiek-Allamakee-Floyd-Chickasaw-Fayette- Clayton-Wabasha-Dodge-Olmsted-Winona-Mower-Fillmore-Houston- Taylor-Clark-Buffalo-Trempealeau-Jackson-La Crosse-Monroe-Juneau- Adams-Vernon-Crawford-Richland-Grant- 917 AM CDT Thu Jun 27 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southeast Minnesota...northeast Iowa and southwest into central Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Strong to severe storms are possible through this evening. Strong to damaging wind and torrential downpours along with some localized flooding are the main threats. Some large hail is also possible. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday On and off thunderstorm chances are expected Friday through next Wednesday. While the severe weather threat looks low, it remains too early to determine the severe weather risk details for each day. Increasing temperatures and humidity will yield heat indices in the 95 to 105 range over the weekend. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed through this evening. .EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATION... No webinar is scheduled.
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LA CROSSE WI
110 PM CDT THU JUN 27 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1246 PM HAIL CHARLES CITY 43.07N 92.68W
06/27/2019 E0.75 INCH FLOYD IA LAW ENFORCEMENT
1248 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 NE CHARLES CITY 43.09N 92.65W
06/27/2019 FLOYD IA LAW ENFORCEMENT
BRANCHES BLOWN DOWN IN TOWN VIA CHARLES CITY PD
&&
SHEAPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LA CROSSE WI
115 PM CDT THU JUN 27 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0102 PM HAIL SCHLEY 43.30N 92.23W
06/27/2019 E0.75 INCH HOWARD IA LAW ENFORCEMENT
DIME SIZED HAIL
&&
SHEAPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LA CROSSE WI
117 PM CDT THU JUN 27 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0116 PM HAIL HOKAH 4NW 43.80N 91.43W
06/27/2019 M0.70 INCH HOUSTON MN CO-OP OBSERVER
&&Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
117 PM CDT Thu Jun 27 2019
IAZ010-011-019-029-030-MNZ088-095-096-WIZ041-042-053-054-272015-
Clayton-Winneshiek-Chickasaw-Fayette-Allamakee-Fillmore-Winona-
Houston-Vernon-La Crosse-Crawford-Monroe-
117 PM CDT Thu Jun 27 2019
...A LINE OF STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS MOVING IN...
At 112 PM CDT, radar indicated strong to severe thunderstorms were
located along a line extending from near Winona to Decorah to west
of Waterloo. Movement was east at 35 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph, hail, locally heavy rain around an inch,
and lightning are possible with these storms. These storms have
been intensifying over the past hour.
Locations impacted through 3 PM include...
La Crosse, Sparta, Tomah, Decorah, Oelwein, Prairie Du Chien, La
Crescent, Viroqua, Waukon, Caledonia, West Union, Elkader, Lansing,
Onalaska, Holmen, West Salem, Postville, and Westby.
Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until
these storms pass.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT for
northeastern Iowa...southeastern Minnesota...and central,
southwestern and west central Wisconsin.
LAT...LON 4264 9208 4291 9208 4291 9249 4315 9213
4398 9139 4399 9132 4406 9131 4408 9031
4355 9031 4355 9067 4317 9067 4299 9106
4299 9115 4287 9110 4266 9141
TIME...MOT...LOC 1812Z 262DEG 31KT 4388 9141 4316 9208 4262 9288
LeePRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LA CROSSE WI
120 PM CDT THU JUN 27 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0118 PM HAIL HOKAH 43.76N 91.35W
06/27/2019 E0.75 INCH HOUSTON MN BROADCAST MEDIA
&&
SHEAPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LA CROSSE WI
121 PM CDT THU JUN 27 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0116 PM TSTM WND GST LA CROSSE AIRPORT 43.87N 91.26W
06/27/2019 M44 MPH LA CROSSE WI ASOS
&&
SHEAThe La Crosse radar (KARX), 3 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:26 UTC.
4 thunderstorm wind, 2 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.
Trees and power lines were blown down in the city of La Crosse. A boat (of unknown size) was flipped over on French Island.
A lightning strike started a small house fire in La Crosse. The fire damage was limited to the basement.
A large tree branch and several smaller branches were blown down in West Salem.
A home southeast of Coon Valley was struck by lightning with the resulting fire destroying the entire structure.
Trees were blown down in and just north of Sparta, which caused some power outages.
A large tree was blown down in Viroqua.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Wisconsin in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyWarnings in Wisconsin, June 2019
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: 834313, 839466, 834318, 836146, 834314, 834315.