May 26 Microburst in Waupaca County

A thunderstorm which moved north across parts of central Wisconsin produced strong winds that uprooted or damaged over two dozen trees in southwest Waupaca County during the early afternoon of May 26. The "wet microburst," named for its heavy rains and high winds, hit around 1:30 pm about five miles southwest of the city of Waupaca. Winds were estimated at 55 to 65 mph.

The fallen trees damaged four cottages on Stratton Lake. The heavy rain during the week, along with the rain associated with the storm, saturated the sandy soil, making it easier for the winds to knock over the trees. Eyewitnesses saw the "wall of rain" as it moved across the lake.

Radar reflectivity from 1:13 pm - 2:00 pm. Waupaca is near the center of the images.