Tornadoes in Wisconsin: Why EcoFlow is a Must-Have for Emergency Prep
Tornadoes are a real and recurring threat in Wisconsin, with an average of 23 storms hitting the state each year. The risk is highest from April through August and especially in June, but recent years have shown that tornadoes can strike even in the off-season. No matter where you live in Wisconsin, preparation is key to keeping your family safe. In this guide, you’ll learn how to track warnings, prepare emergency supplies, identify safe shelters, and power your essential devices to stay connected and informed, even during blackouts.
When Is Tornado Season in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes a year, with a tornado season from April to August, peaking in June. However, they can occur almost any time of year. For instance, in 2024, when we had record warmth, we saw our first-ever February tornado. While the southwest and central parts of Wisconsin, especially near the Mississippi, experience the highest frequency of tornadoes, they can and do occur anywhere in the state.
How To Stay Updated on Wisconsin Tornado Warnings
Listen to your local commercial radio or television channels.
Check for alerts on the National Weather Service.
Listen for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone (similar to an Amber Alert).
Visit TornadoHQ for current alerts across the USA.
See if your community has an emergency alert system and sign up for it. Also, familiarize yourself with the sound of your community tornado siren if it has one.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio (requires a special receiver).
Install a weather app on your phone.
Use your EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank to keep your phone charged, stay connected, and be informed if the power goes out.
How To Prepare for a Tornado in Wisconsin
Preparing for emergencies before one strikes is the best defense against tornadoes.
Identify Safe Rooms or Tornado Shelters
First, locate the nearest safe room or storm shelter, ideally built according to FEMA standards. Alternatively, basements, cellars, and interior rooms with cement walls are ideal. Mobile homes, even with tie-downs, are unsafe and must be evacuated. Since your typical warning only gives you about 10 minutes to seek safety, you must identify safe locations at home, work, school, and other locations where you and your family spend a lot of time. Never try driving to a shelter, as this puts you in serious danger. This is why identifying safe areas in advance is critical.
Watch For Warning Signs
Watching for the warning signs of a developing tornado could save your life since they strike with little or no warning. Don’t wait for an emergency alert if you see the following signs; seek shelter immediately:
Dark skies, often with a greenish hue
A loud roar like a freight train
Dark, low, rotating, or funnel-shaped clouds
Very large hail
Approaching debris clouds
Prepare Your Emergency Kit
Having a well-stocked emergency kit will help you be prepared for storms and other emergencies. Keep your kit in a waterproof bin in your storm shelter, safe room, or near the door if you need to leave your home to find safe shelter.
Your kit should contain the following:
1 gallon of water per day per person for 3 days
Non-perishable food for each person for 3 days
Food and water for your pets
Dust masks
Emergency whistle
Complete first aid kit
Any necessary prescription drugs
Soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer
Rechargeable LED flashlights
Can opener, eating utensils
Multi-tool and duct tape
Lighter or matches in a waterproof container
Fire extinguisher
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus portable power station is essential for charging flashlights and mobile devices, keeping you safe, connected, and informed.
Prepare a Family Emergency Plan
Sit down with your family and create an emergency plan, ensuring everyone in your family knows exactly what to do and where to seek shelter, whether at home, work, or school. Your plan should also include a communication plan, including who to contact in an emergency, how to contact them, what to do if a family member isn’t home, and have a backup meeting place in case your house is unsafe.
Also teach them where the emergency kit is located, what’s in it, and what to do with the contents, including some basic first aid. You should practice a yearly tornado drill to ensure everyone knows what to do. A good time to do this is in April when Wisconsin does its statewide tornado drill. Your yearly drill is also the perfect time to remember to refresh your food, water, and medical supplies in your emergency kit and ensure flashlights and portable power devices are fully charged.
Purchase an Emergency Power Supply
Power outages are common during storms and could last several days. A household emergency power supply will help keep your family safe and ensure that essential appliances like refrigerators, freezers, medical equipment, and computers can keep running. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is the best storm generator since it offers 4000w output and can run both 120v and 240v appliances. It’s also expandable with extra batteries, so you can even use it as a whole-home generator.
The EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generators are also the superior choice for safe indoor use since they use no fossil fuels and won’t cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills 400 people every year in the USA. They also come with solar panels so you can recharge them when the sun shines and stay powered up during extended blackouts. If you have rooftop panels installed, go out now and inspect them, ensuring their mounts and connections are secure to help prevent storm damage. If you have portable solar panels, you can set those up once the danger of storms has passed.
What To Do When a Tornado Hits Wisconsin
When a tornado strikes, follow these steps to keep you and your family safe.
Immediately seek safe shelter when you hear an emergency alert or see the warning signs of an approaching tornado.
Stay indoors and do not try to drive to a shelter. If you are in a mobile home, evacuate to the nearest sturdy building or a low point in the landscape.
For buildings without safe rooms, go to the lowest floor and find the most interior location. Put as many interior walls between you and the outside as possible.
Stay away from all doors, windows, and glass.
Climb inside an interior closet or under a sturdy desk or table if available.
If you’re outdoors or in your car, immediately go to the nearest sturdy building and get inside. If none is available, seek a ravine, ditch, or other low point in the landscape and climb inside, getting as low as possible.
Crouch down low and cover your head and neck with your arms.
Tune in for emergency updates. If you lose power, use your EcoFlow Portable Power Station to stay connected and informed.
If you are trapped by debris, don’t yell for help, as you can damage your lungs inhaling dust. Instead, use an emergency whistle or bang on pipes or other objects to make a lot of noise.
Never leave unless you have a critical medical emergency. There are likely to be road hazards and unsafe buildings, and emergency responders need the streets to be clear to help those in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tornadoes Common in Wisconsin?
Tornadoes are more common in Wisconsin than people realize, averaging 23 every year. However, we had a record number of 62 back in 2005, and in 2024, we experienced 45, including the severe tornado outbreak on May 21st, with 18 in a single day.
Is Wisconsin in Danger of Tornadoes?
Yes, Wisconsin is in serious danger of tornadoes, averaging 23 yearly, including occasional deadly EF4s and EF5s. The highest frequencies are seen in the central and southern part of the state near the Mississippi, although they can and do strike anywhere.
Final Thoughts
Tornadoes in Wisconsin are not just a possibility; they happen every year. By staying alert to warnings, identifying safe shelter spots, building a well-stocked emergency kit, creating a family emergency plan, and investing in a secure, indoor-friendly emergency power supply, you can keep your household protected no matter the storm. With preparation and the right tools like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, you're not just reacting to a disaster when it strikes; you can stay one step ahead. Stay prepared and stay safe.