During the evening hours on June 5th, storms move into portions of Buffalo and Trempealeau counties producing large hail and strong winds. Eventually, these storms formed into a line and pushed southeast into portions of La Crosse, Monroe and Juneau Counties bring additional large hail, damaging wind gusts and an EF-0 tornado in eastern Monroe County prior to storms exiting to the southeast.
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.
During the evening hours on June 5th, storms move into portions of Buffalo and Trempealeau counties producing large hail and strong winds. Eventually, these storms formed into a line and pushed southeast into portions of La Crosse, Monroe and Juneau Counties bring additional large hail, damaging wind gusts and an EF-0 tornado in eastern Monroe County prior to storms exiting to the southeast.
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 5, 5:26 PM CST, 42 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service La Crosse WI 626 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... - Isolated to scattered storms late this afternoon thru early overnight. Confidence has increased for severe storms later this evening near and north of I-90. Large hail and strong wind gusts would be the main hazards with any severe storms. - Dry start to the weekend gives away to another round of rain on Sunday through Monday. - Trending hot for the middle and end of next week with highs likely in the 90s and heat indices approaching the 100 degree mark. && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 131 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026 This Afternoon - Early Overnight: Isolated to Scattered Storms, Some Strong to Severe A continued difficult forecast remains for this afternoon and into the evening hours for storm initiation. As has been stated in previous forecast discussions, the environment trends more favorable for organized convection later into the evening today, the key question is will there be enough lift to generate convective initiation as forcing mechanisms remain uncertain. But to take a step back, current satellite trends this morning have depicted a low-level cloud shield over the region which is generally expected to mix out to some extent this afternoon. As this occurs, surface destabilization will result in an increase in MLCAPE values to around 1000-1500 J/kg across the local area. With some degree of inconsistency where destabilization occurs, this will likely set up some differential heating boundaries during the afternoon which in turn may work as an axis to initiate convection. As a result, the CAMs generally agree on developing storms in the area later this afternoon and in the evening, with low confidence on exact location but the earliest timing likely being between 2-4pm. In this environment, storms may pose some hail and strong wind risk, however the weaker shear profiles initially would not make this a widespread concern. However, how convection evolves earlier in the afternoon will certainly impact how later storms may develop as they could work to both increase the amount of available outflow boundaries as well as work over the environment if convective initiation is more widespread. This will be important for later into the evening as a shortwave trough pushes into the area, working to cool our mid-levels slightly and increasing mid-level shear while elongating our hodographs. As a result, any storms that do develop in this environment (generally 6pm to 3am) would have a tendency to become more organized, possibly supercellular as shown in the HRRR. In this scenario, a hail threat would be on the table with supercell storms and 40-50 kts of 0-6km bulk shear to work with near and north of I-90 and mid-level lapse rates to around 6.5 C/km. Furthermore, with DCAPE values increasing during the late evening with some dry air entrainment would suggest some strong winds within these cells would be possible in addition to cold pool organization resulting in linear/bowing segments. So important to emphasize that there are a few scenarios here, much of the CAMs agree on some level of convection during the afternoon and evening in the local area but the severe threat is conditional on if storms can develop during the late evening period when shear profiles begin to become more favorable. However, it is becoming more likely that if storms do occur in the evening hours for areas north of I-90 where the shear profiles are more robust, they will become severe. As a result, SPC has upgraded these areas to a Slight Risk (Level 2 out of 5) for severe weather. Saturday - Monday: Dry Start to Weekend with Increasing Rain Chances As we head into Saturday, upper-level ridging will move into the area with subsidence underneath it keeping precipitation chances to a minimum. Additionally, with relatively clear skies underneath the ridge would expect temperatures to climb into the middle and upper 80s during this period. However, as we head later into Sunday and into Monday rain chances will begin to increase as a pronounced mid-level shortwave moves into the region in the southwesterly flow regime. As a result, precipitation chances increase fairly significantly during this period with the grand ensemble having fairly respectable probabilities (40-60%) for rainfall amounts of 0.5" into Monday. With fairly high dewpoints and moisture coming in, cannot rule out some heavier rainfall during this period as well. However, given the lack of strong flow aloft with this wave, organized severe convection seems unlikely with this system. Tuesday - Saturday: Trending Hotter As we head late into the week, an upper-level ridge will become situated over the local area resulting in southerly low-level flow across the local area. As this occurs, moisture advection will result in dewpoints increase fairly dramatically across the local area with the grand ensemble (GEFS/EC/Canadian ensemble) having high probabilities (70-90%) for dewpoints in the 70s. This coupled with highs approaching the 90s would suggest that we could see heat indices approaching the 100F mark. Some conflicting guidance between the bias-correction in the NBM and the raw models leads to some uncertainty in exactly how warm we will get. But given the EC Extreme Forecast Index has a fairly strong probability footprint (70-90%) for temperatures to exceed model climatology, thinking temperatures will be fairly above normal, just a matter of how much above normal and if any finer details such as precipitation potential would keep us cooler. && .AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z SUNDAY/... Issued at 626 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026 Main taf concern is the potential for thunder at both taf sites early in the taf period. Weak cold front slowly moves over the area this evening and has been the focus for showers and isolated storms over western Wisconsin/central Minnesota this evening. Instability is not great over the area this evening and weakens after 03z Saturday. Coverage of storms is expected to be isolated across the area. For now...have introduced showers into the taf sites between 02-04z Saturday and a tempo group for an isolated storm at both RST/LSE taf sites. After showers pass the taf sites...the next concern is potential for fog formation across the region. With residual cloud cover from the showers not sure if area will clear out. However...low level moisture and weak inversion could develop fog over the area after 06z Saturday. At this time will leave mention out of tafs based on confidence is low. After 14z Saturday...VFR conditions should prevail at both RST/LSE taf sites. && .ARX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... WI...None. MN...None. IA...None. && DISCUSSION...Naylor AVIATION...DTJ
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service La Crosse WI 134 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026 IAZ008>011-018-019-029-030-MNZ079-086>088-094>096-WIZ017-029- 032>034-041>044-053>055-061-062245- 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- 134 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southeast Minnesota...northeast Iowa and southwest into central Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight Storms develop this afternoon with some potentially becoming severe this evening into the early overnight. The greatest risk for any severe storms this evening is near and north of Interstate 90. Large hail and damaging wind gusts would be the main hazards with any storms. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday Confidence is high for above average temperatures mid to late next week with afternoon heat indices likely exceeding 100 degrees. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Severe weather reports would be appreciated. .EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATION... No webinar is scheduled. Naylor
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
435 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026
WIZ017-052230-
Taylor WI-
435 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT TAYLOR COUNTY THROUGH 530 PM
CDT...
At 434 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 8 miles northwest of Jump River to near
Cornell. Movement was east at 50 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 30 mph and nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Strong thunderstorms will be near...
Jump River around 440 PM CDT.
Westboro around 515 PM CDT.
Chelsea around 520 PM CDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
central and north central Wisconsin.
&&
LAT...LON 4503 9041 4503 9092 4538 9092 4538 9015
TIME...MOT...LOC 2134Z 258DEG 41KT 4544 9092 4512 9116
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
JSBSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
559 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026
WIZ029-033-034-052330-
Jackson WI-Trempealeau WI-Clark WI-
559 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN CLARK...NORTHWESTERN
JACKSON AND NORTHEASTERN TREMPEALEAU COUNTIES THROUGH 630 PM CDT...
At 559 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 10 miles west of Greenwood to near Fairchild to
near Osseo. Movement was southeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Strong thunderstorms will be near...
Price around 605 PM CDT.
Humbird around 610 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by these storms include Hog Corners, Mead
Lake, Highway 73 And 98, Wildcat Mound, Highway 10 And 12, Tioga,
Christie, Highway 10 And Bald Peak Road, York, and North Branch.
This includes Interstate 94 between mile markers 88 and 103.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
central and west central Wisconsin.
&&
LAT...LON 4471 9047 4451 9071 4438 9109 4460 9132
4460 9092 4487 9092
TIME...MOT...LOC 2259Z 301DEG 27KT 4477 9082 4463 9098 4455 9123
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
FergusonSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
604 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026
WIZ032-052330-
Buffalo WI-
604 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN BUFFALO COUNTY
THROUGH 630 PM CDT...
At 604 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Wabasha, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Alma around 610 PM CDT.
Modena around 620 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Nelson, County Roads F
And K K, and Tell.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
west central Wisconsin.
&&
LAT...LON 4451 9200 4447 9169 4431 9182 4442 9207
4442 9208 4443 9208
TIME...MOT...LOC 2304Z 288DEG 23KT 4444 9198
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
FergusonSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
643 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026
WIZ033-034-060015-
Jackson WI-Trempealeau WI-
643 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WESTERN JACKSON AND NORTHEASTERN
TREMPEALEAU COUNTIES THROUGH 715 PM CDT...
At 643 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles west of Alma Center, or 11 miles east of Whitehall, moving
southeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Black River Falls around 700 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Hixton, Taylor, Hixton
Alma Center K O A, Disco, York, Northfield, North Branch, and Pigeon
Falls.
This includes Interstate 94 between mile markers 92 and 115.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
central and west central Wisconsin.
&&
LAT...LON 4441 9076 4419 9092 4441 9133 4455 9117
TIME...MOT...LOC 2343Z 296DEG 26KT 4439 9108
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
FergusonPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
659 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0652 PM Hail Waumandee 44.30N 91.71W
06/05/2026 M0.70 Inch Buffalo WI Public
&&Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
659 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026
WIZ034-060030-
Jackson WI-
659 PM CDT Fri Jun 5 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN JACKSON COUNTY
THROUGH 730 PM CDT...
At 659 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Black River Falls, moving southeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Black River Falls around 705 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Hixton, Sand Pillow,
Shamrock, The Black River Correctional Center, The Black River Falls
Airport, Taylor, Castle Mound, Vaudreuil, Perry Creek Recreation
Area, and The Majestic Pines Casino.
This includes Interstate 94 between mile markers 103 and 127.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until
this storm passes.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
west central Wisconsin.
&&
LAT...LON 4416 9070 4416 9089 4428 9117 4431 9117
4445 9101 4433 9053
TIME...MOT...LOC 2359Z 295DEG 31KT 4432 9097
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
FergusonThe La Crosse radar (KARX), 70 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 00:08 UTC.
5 thunderstorm wind, 3 hail, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.
The public reported a 60 mph wind gust in addition to nickel sized hail 1 mile west of Garden Valley.
The public reported quarter sized hail 6 miles east-northeast of Millston. The report was relayed via mPING.
The public reported ping pong ball sized hail in Fountain City.
This very short-lived EF-0 tornado damaged some stands of trees as it moved through portions of eastern Monroe County.
Law enforcement reported a tree down on a power line in Kendall.
Emergency management reported trees down onto powerlines 2 miles southwest of Hustler.
Emergency management reported trees onto powerlines 2 miles north-northwest of Elroy.
Emergency management reported a barn was destroyed 2 miles east-northeast of Elroy.
The public reported quarter sized hail near Onalaska.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Wisconsin in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Wisconsin, 2026Warnings in Wisconsin, June 2026
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: 1348844, 1348235, 1348237, 1348880, 1348238, 1348857, 1348860, 1348862, 1348236.