State of Emergency declared in Mayville after tornado outbreak in Wisconsin
Tornadoes struck parts of the Midwest on Thursday, May 15, 2025, causing widespread damage across Wisconsin. The city of Mayville declared a State of Emergency after severe damage was reported in its southern areas, where multiple buildings and homes were either damaged or destroyed.
Tornado damage in Mayville, Wisconsin on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Credit: Andrew Zimmerman
At least 11 tornadoes were reported across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois on Thursday, May 15. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) received five tornado reports from Wisconsin, four from Minnesota, and one each from Illinois and Michigan.
Significant damage was reported in Juneau and Mayville, Wisconsin, as tornado-warned storms moved through the region during the late afternoon and evening of May 15.
Mayor Rob Boelk declared a State of Emergency in Mayville after the southern part of the city experienced severe storm damage. The Mayville Fire Department reported multiple gas leaks and structural damage to several buildings.
Emergency crews responded to several injury reports, but only a few individuals required transportation to medical facilities.
Multiple structures were damaged in Juneau. Videos posted online showed roofs and walls torn off buildings, along with widespread tree and vehicle damage.
Authorities urged residents to avoid the affected areas while emergency crews assisted with damage assessment and rescue operations. Power outages were reported across Dodge, Fond du Lac, and Sheboygan counties, affecting numerous homes and businesses.
“Please do not try to drive around the city of Juneau. We have multiple power lines down. Streets are still flooded, and many are blocked by fallen trees. Power will be out for an undetermined amount of time and may remain out into tomorrow,” the Juneau Police Department said.
As of 02:20 local time on Friday, May 16, the department reported that while power had been restored to most of the city, crews from multiple agencies were still clearing storm debris and installing new utility poles.
In Milwaukee, storm damage included downed trees and roof damage across several neighborhoods. Two trees fell onto a house at 28th Street and Euclid Avenue, and a home’s roof was blown off near Burnham Street on Wednesday evening. The National Weather Service is still assessing whether a tornado or strong straight-line winds caused the damage.
No fatalities have been reported as of May 16, though damage assessments and recovery operations are ongoing.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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