Severe storms with possible tornadoes moved across northern Wisconsin on Tuesday evening, with high winds and hail causing extensive damage. Local states of emergency were declared in Barron, Polk and Iron counties.
A possible tornado hit southwestern Iron County shortly after 7 p.m. In the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage area between Park Falls and Mercer, three people at remote campsites on the flowage were injured. They were transported by boats to waiting ambulances and taken to hospitals for treatment. One person was evacuated by helicopter. Other campers were evacuated to local motels during the night.
Crews are working on cleanup and repairs, assisting people and assessing damages today.
"Public safety is the most important consideration right now," Paul Bruggink, DNR Lands Supervisor, said in a news release. "We are asking everyone to avoid the Turtle-Flambeau flowage area to allow emergency crews to work. They need to check all of the campsites and open the roads and public accesses into the waterway."
The public boating accesses known as Springstead Landing, Fishermans Landing, and Murray's Landing have been closed until further notice. Bruggink said people planning to use the area this weekend may want to make alternative plans.
ADVERTISEMENT
Barron County officials report a possible tornado south of Cameron, and there were reports of downed trees and power lines. Downed trees in Polk County blocked Highway 46 in Balsam Lake.
The Duluth National Weather Service storm damage survey team is in northern Wisconsin conducting a damage assessment. The team will survey any tornado tracks and try to determine the tornadoes' strength.
The DNR plans to conduct an aerial tour to view storm damage. And Wisconsin Emergency Management Northwest Regional Director Rhonda Reynolds is in Iron County working with local officials.
Bayfield County Sheriff Bob Follis said the Iron River Police Department also helped campers impacted by the storm. A call to the police department for more information was not immediately returned.
Hail caused damage in Bayfield County, including to a sheriff's department squad car.
"It looks like someone took a ball-peen hammer to it," cracking the windshield and denting its body, Follis said.
