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Governor Evers Seeks FEMA Assistance for Fox Valley Tornado Damage Assessment

Governor Evers Seeks FEMA Assistance for Fox Valley Tornado Damage Assessment

Governor Tony Evers has requested assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct a formal damage assessment following a severe tornado that struck the Fox Valley area on July 27. The storm caused significant destruction, including downed power lines, flipped cars, and damage to homes and businesses. The preliminary damage assessments conducted by local and state officials are under review, with no finalized numbers yet available. The federal assessment will help determine the extent of the damage and the potential need for a presidential disaster declaration, which could unlock federal aid for recovery efforts.

FEMA Denies Public Infrastructure Funding, Leaving Wisconsin Taxpayers to Cover Flood Damage Costs

FEMA Denies Public Infrastructure Funding, Leaving Wisconsin Taxpayers to Cover Flood Damage Costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided $152 million in individual assistance to 30,000 homeowners in Milwaukee County following a severe flood in August last year. However, FEMA denied funding for public infrastructure repairs across Wisconsin, leaving local governments to manage over $58 million in damage estimates. Wauwatosa, a city heavily affected by the flood, estimates more than $4 million in municipal damage. Local leaders, including Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride, expressed disappointment over FEMA's decision, highlighting the challenges faced in covering the costs without federal aid. The Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management noted that while individual assistance helped stabilize residents, the unresolved public infrastructure damage remains a significant issue.

Wisconsin Experiences Second-Most Tornadoes on Record in 2026

Wisconsin Experiences Second-Most Tornadoes on Record in 2026

Wisconsin has tied its record for the second-highest number of tornadoes in a single year, with 46 tornadoes reported so far in 2026, according to WPR (Source time: Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:36:16 GMT). This figure matches the 2010 record but remains below the 62 tornadoes recorded in 2005. Notably, the state has experienced four EF-3 tornadoes this year, marking the highest number of severe tornadoes in approximately 40 years. The season began with an unusually active April, which saw 27 tornadoes and the wettest April on record. Meteorologists attribute this activity to a combination of storm systems, early surges of warmth, and favorable conditions for tornado formation. Southern Wisconsin, particularly along the I-94 corridor, has been most affected due to its warmer climate. The tornado season typically peaks in June and tapers off by September, but experts suggest that climate change may extend the season into spring and fall.

Live election results: Polls close in Wisconsin, Minnesota primaries; Darline Graham advances to runoff

Live election results: Polls close in Wisconsin, Minnesota primaries; Darline Graham advances to runoff

Key races include Minnesota's governor contest, where President Trump has backed Mike Lindell, and democratic socialist Francesca Hong's Wisconsin governor bid.

Francesca Hong's Progressive Campaign Gains Momentum in Wisconsin

Francesca Hong's Progressive Campaign Gains Momentum in Wisconsin

Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is leading the Democratic field for the gubernatorial nomination in Wisconsin. Her campaign has gained traction among progressive voters, particularly young people, who are drawn to her platform of inclusivity and economic reform. Hong's candidacy is part of a broader trend of progressive candidates gaining prominence in various states. However, her ties to the Democratic Socialists of America and past controversial statements have raised concerns about her electability in a general election. The primary race is closely watched as it could influence the political dynamics in Wisconsin, a key battleground state.

Tornado Activity Increases in Wisconsin, Raising Concerns About Climate Impact

Tornado Activity Increases in Wisconsin, Raising Concerns About Climate Impact

Tornado activity in Wisconsin has been on the rise, with the state experiencing some of its busiest years in the last two decades. The increase in tornadoes is attributed to the expansion of the country's tornado-prone zone, which now includes parts of the Midwest and Southeast. In southern Wisconsin, tornadoes are most likely to occur in the afternoon, particularly between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The state's tornado season generally runs from April to September, peaking in late spring to mid-summer. The rise in tornado activity is linked to warmer, more humid conditions, which are believed to be influenced by climate change.

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Wisconsin’s state primary

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Wisconsin’s state primary

Fresh on the heels of Abdul El-Sayed’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary win in Michigan, Wisconsin voters will decide another high-profile clash between the party’s establishment and progressive wings in a gubernatorial primary on Tuesday

Wisconsin Tornado Activity Surges in 2026, EF3 Events Reach Record High

Wisconsin Tornado Activity Surges in 2026, EF3 Events Reach Record High

Wisconsin has experienced a significant increase in tornado activity in 2026, surpassing the annual state average with 39 tornadoes recorded as of July 13. The state is now on the fringes of the expanded tornado-prone zone, which has shifted beyond the Great Plains into the Midwest and Southeast. Notably, Wisconsin recorded its fourth EF3-strength tornado of the year on July 27, marking the highest number of such events since 1984. Historically, fewer than 5% of tornadoes in the state reach EF3 strength. Tornadoes in southern Wisconsin are most likely to occur in the afternoon, particularly between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., posing challenges for emergency response during peak commuting hours. Scientists are investigating the role of climate change in this shift, as warmer and more humid conditions increase vulnerability.

Tornado Activity Increasing in Wisconsin Amid Changing Weather Patterns

Tornado Activity Increasing in Wisconsin Amid Changing Weather Patterns

Tornado activity in Wisconsin has been on the rise, with the state experiencing some of its busiest tornado years in the last two decades. In 2026 alone, Wisconsin has already surpassed its annual average of 23 tornadoes, with 39 confirmed as of mid-July. Southern Wisconsin is particularly prone to tornadoes, which most commonly occur in the afternoon between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The state now sits on the fringes of the expanding tornado-prone zone, which has shifted from the Great Plains to include parts of the Midwest and Southeast. Scientists suggest that warmer, more humid conditions may be contributing to this trend.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Chicago Area Amid Storm Threats

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Chicago Area Amid Storm Threats

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several counties in the Chicago area, including McHenry and Lake counties in Illinois, and Kenosha County in Wisconsin. According to NBC Chicago, the region is bracing for multiple rounds of showers and storms, which could bring heavy rain, large hail, gusty winds, and even tornadoes. The storms are expected to impact areas west and north of Chicago, with a slight risk of severe weather throughout the day. The forecast models indicate that the strongest storms could lead to localized flooding and other severe weather hazards.

Severe Weather Brings Scattered Storms to Southeastern Wisconsin

Severe Weather Brings Scattered Storms to Southeastern Wisconsin

Southeastern Wisconsin experienced severe weather on Sunday, with strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning affecting the region. After a quiet late afternoon, more storms are expected to develop in the evening, particularly south of I-94 and closer to the state line. These storms could bring very heavy rainfall and gusty winds, with the potential to move south into Illinois as the night progresses. The weather pattern is expected to continue into Monday, with isolated storms along the Wisconsin-Illinois state line, and more widespread rain and storms anticipated on Tuesday.

North Fond du Lac Man Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase

North Fond du Lac Man Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase

A 33-year-old man from North Fond du Lac was taken into custody following a three-mile police pursuit early Sunday morning. The incident began when a Fond du Lac County Sheriff's deputy observed a vehicle speeding and weaving in a 70mph zone. The driver initially slowed down but did not stop, leading to a chase that ended with a PIT maneuver on Winnebago Street. The man is facing charges including Fleeing/Eluding and suspicion of Operating while Intoxicated. He is currently held at the Fond du Lac County Jail on a Winnebago County warrant.