EF-3 tornado confirmed near Cream, Wisconsin during April 17, 2026 outbreak; NWS La Crosse issues record 26 warnings

A significant tornado outbreak impacted the Upper Midwest on April 17, 2026, producing multiple tornadoes across southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The strongest tornado, rated EF-3, struck near Cream, Wisconsin, causing severe structural damage along a 13.8-kilometer path with peak winds estimated at 225 km/h (140 mph). More than 100 homes were damaged during the outbreak, and at least two people were injured. The National Weather Service (NWS) La Crosse office issued a record 26 tornado warnings throughout the event. The EF-3 tornado near Cream destroyed a well-constructed residence, removing exterior walls and the roof, while snapping or uprooting numerous trees and demolishing farm outbuildings. In addition to this, two EF-2 tornadoes were confirmed: one in Stewartville and Marion townships, Minnesota, which caused significant damage to homes and farm structures and resulted in two injuries; and another near Viola-Plainview, affecting rural areas with damage to trees, outbuildings, and farmhouses. The outbreak also included three EF-1 and two EF-0 tornadoes, all associated with supercell thunderstorms that developed along a cold front in southeast Minnesota and a warm front in western Wisconsin. Storms evolved in two waves during the afternoon, with discrete supercells maintaining their structure as they moved eastward across the region. The highest concentration of tornadoes occurred north of Interstate 90, spanning southeast Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin. The outbreak’s severity and the volume of warnings issued marked a significant event for the NWS La Crosse office, which set a new record with 26 tornado warnings issued in a single day. This outbreak underscores the ongoing vulnerability of the Upper Midwest to severe weather during the spring season and highlights the importance of timely warnings and preparedness efforts.