The Western Wisconsin Derecho was a derecho, or severe weather system, that occurred through several counties of Western Wisconsin on July 15, 1980. It caused nearly $160M in damage (1980 dollars) and one person was killed. At the time, it was the worst natural disaster in Wisconsin history. To this day, the storm is still referred to as "The July 15th (1980) Storm," "July 15th, 1980," or simply "The Storm."
The system formed in central Minnesota during the early evening of July 15 and intensified that evening in the eastern part of the state. It was a rapidly-moving storm, roaring through the Twin Cities at 60 mph (97 km/h), and picked up speed as it entered Wisconsin.
Read more about Western Wisconsin Derecho: Prelude, The Storm, Tornadoes, Aftermath, Property Damage (1980 Estimates)
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