Confirmed Tornadoes Cause Major Damage in Marathon County

Severe storms sweep through central Wisconsin, with early reports of extensive destruction in Ringle and other communities

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a severe thunderstorm, with dark, swirling clouds dominating the frame and dwarfing any physical structures or objects caught within the scene.The raw power of a tornado-spawning storm system overwhelms the landscape, underscoring the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of extreme weather.Wausau Today

Confirmed tornadoes moved through Marathon County, Wisconsin on Friday as severe storms swept across the region, causing major damage in several communities including Ringle. Early reports indicate multiple homes were heavily damaged, with some having their roofs torn off, and there were also downed power lines, blocked roads, and scattered debris. Officials have not yet released a full damage assessment or confirmed injury totals, but residents have been urged to avoid the affected neighborhoods to allow emergency crews and utility workers to respond safely.

Why it matters

Tornadoes can cause catastrophic damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, posing a serious threat to public safety. This event highlights the need for robust emergency preparedness and response systems in central Wisconsin, as well as the ongoing challenges communities face in dealing with the impacts of severe weather driven by climate change.

The details

According to reports, the National Weather Service confirmed a tornado near Mosinee earlier in the afternoon, followed by another tornado 11 miles northeast of Weston, moving northeast at 30 mph. Storm reports pointed to tornado activity near the Central Wisconsin Airport in Mosinee, with additional damage reported in Kronenwetter and Weston as the storm moved northeast toward Highway 29 east of Wausau. In Ringle, early reports suggested some of the most serious damage, with multiple homes heavily damaged, including one where the roof was torn off. There were also reports of downed power lines, blocked roads, and debris scattered through neighborhoods.

  • On Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service had Marathon County under a tornado watch through 8 p.m.
  • At 5:08 p.m., the National Weather Service in Green Bay issued a severe weather statement confirming a tornado 11 miles northeast of Weston, moving northeast at 30 mph.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing severe weather warnings in the United States.

Wisconsin Public Service

The utility company that provides natural gas and electricity to customers in central Wisconsin, including the affected areas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Anyone who smells natural gas or encounters a damaged gas line should leave the area immediately and call the utility from another location. The utility also warns people to stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines.”

— Wisconsin Public Service

What’s next

Officials have not yet released a full damage assessment or confirmed injury totals, and additional severe weather and flooding concerns remain in effect across the region. Residents are urged to avoid the affected neighborhoods to allow emergency crews and utility workers to respond safely.

The takeaway

This severe weather event highlights the need for robust emergency preparedness and response systems in central Wisconsin, as well as the ongoing challenges communities face in dealing with the impacts of extreme weather driven by climate change. The extensive damage to homes and infrastructure underscores the importance of community resilience and the ability to quickly mobilize resources to support affected residents.