NWS confirms Walworth County tornado from Wednesday storms

The National Weather Service has verified a tornado touched down in Walworth County during the severe weather event.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dramatic landscape painting in the style of Caspar David Friedrich, depicting a massive tornado as a swirling vortex of dark clouds and heavy rain, dwarfing the trees and structures in the foreground and conveying the overwhelming power of the natural disaster.A powerful tornado rips through the countryside, exposing the raw, sublime force of nature.Delavan Today

The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado touched down in Walworth County, Wisconsin on Wednesday night, April 15. The tornado was classified as an EF1 and had estimated wind speeds of 100 mph, causing damage to trees and buildings in the area north of Delavan and west of Elkhorn. This was one of six tornadoes confirmed by the NWS in southeast Wisconsin during the storms on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Why it matters

Severe weather events like tornadoes can cause significant property damage and pose risks to public safety, making it important for the National Weather Service to accurately assess and report on these incidents. Walworth County has experienced multiple tornado touchdowns in recent days, highlighting the need for residents to remain vigilant and prepared when dangerous storms are forecasted.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, the EF1 tornado in Walworth County touched down just after 8 PM on Wednesday and was on the ground for about two miles. In addition to the Walworth County tornado, the NWS confirmed five other tornadoes in southeast Wisconsin during the storms on Tuesday and Wednesday, including one in Dodge County south of Beaver Dam and others in Kenosha, Racine, and Waukesha counties.

  • The Walworth County tornado touched down just after 8 PM on Wednesday, April 15.
  • The NWS also confirmed a tornado in Walworth County on Tuesday night.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing severe weather warnings and alerts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The confirmation of multiple tornado touchdowns in Walworth County and surrounding areas underscores the importance of heeding severe weather warnings and being prepared with emergency plans and supplies when dangerous storms are forecasted. Local weather experts and officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to keep residents informed and safe.