3 Things To Know
- Not a tornado: The National Weather Service determined the damage across Walworth County was caused by a powerful downburst, with straight-line winds estimated between 90 and 100 mph.
- Widespread destruction: The storm damaged a path from south of Darien through Lake Delavan to Como, destroying or heavily damaging five to 10 barns and snapping or uprooting hundreds of trees.
- Deadly storm: The severe winds injured two motorcyclists when collapsing silos fell on them and contributed to a boat capsizing on Geneva Lake, where three people lost their lives.
NWS Confirms Powerful Downburst Reached 100 MPH in Walworth County
The National Weather Service has confirmed that the destructive storm that tore through portions of Walworth County on Friday was caused by an intense downburst rather than a tornado.
Following a damage survey, meteorologists determined straight-line winds estimated between 90 and 100 mph swept a path from south of Darien through the Lake Delavan area and into Como. The powerful burst of wind destroyed or heavily damaged between five and 10 barns while snapping or uprooting hundreds of trees.
Witnesses described the storm as arriving in three separate bursts of powerful wind, a characteristic that matched the damage pattern observed during the survey.
Deadly Consequences
The storm turned tragic in several locations.
Southwest of Delavan Lake, three empty silos measuring approximately 20 feet by 90 feet collapsed during the storm. Two motorcyclists who had stopped to seek shelter were injured when the silos fell.
On nearby Geneva Lake, the powerful winds also capsized a boat carrying 10 people. Seven occupants were rescued, but three people drowned. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
What Is a Downburst?
A downburst is a powerful column of sinking air that spreads outward after reaching the ground. While they don’t rotate like tornadoes, downbursts can produce winds comparable to those found in stronger tornadoes.
In this case, the National Weather Service determined the damage pattern was consistent with straight-line winds rather than rotating winds, leading investigators to rule out a tornado.
Damage Highlights
- Peak wind estimates of 90 to 100 mph
- Damage path extended from south of Darien through Lake Delavan to Como
- Between five and 10 barns destroyed or heavily damaged
- Hundreds of trees snapped or uprooted
- Two injuries after collapsing silos struck motorcyclists seeking shelter
- Three fatalities after a boat capsized on Geneva Lake
Residents cleaning up storm damage are encouraged to use caution around downed trees, damaged buildings and utility lines, and to report any remaining hazards to local officials.
