The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado was spotted Thursday just south of Madison near the Dane and Rock counties border, marking the first time a tornado touched down in the state during February.
The tornado was part of a storm system tracking across southern Wisconsin that has resulted in strong winds, lightning and hail.
The weather service said in an X post at about 6 p.m. that “this is a very dangerous storm; seek immediate safe shelter if in its path!”
Meteorologist Andrew Quigley with the National Weather Service said most of the weather service’s work will begin Friday morning to assess damage, investigate whether a tornado formed and determine a severity level.
The tornado was originally spotted near Albany but moved northeast toward Stoughton, according to the weather service. The weather service had issued a tornado warning for parts of Dane, Jefferson and Rock counties, which expired around 6:45 pm.
Mark Elland with the Rock County 911 Communications Center said at 8:15 p.m. that no deaths or injuries have been reported but significant damage occurred in the area along with downed power lines.