Medford tornado confirmed

MEDFORD — Taylor County Emergency Management, in collaboration with the National Weather Service, announced that an investigation into a reported funnel cloud in the town of Medford on July 5, was in fact a tornado. There were no injuries or major damage reported.

Reported by multiple witnesses, the funnel cloud was rated as an EF0 tornado, which is on the lower end of the severity spectrum as measured by the Enhanced Fujita Scale. An EFO tornado produces wind speeds of 64 to 75 mph and without the vertical wind shear and lower-level relative humidity at the surface.

The investigation was aided by multiple photos and videos that helped to confirm that tornado rotation was present. According to the investigation, the tornado was intermittent along a 1-mile path moving toward the southwest with some light tree damage noted.

This tornado had heavy rainfall and winds up to 65 mph. The swift response and coordination between local departments and the National Weather Service was crucial in assessing and responding to the aftermath of this storm, according to the press release.

Taylor County Emergency Management said the storm and tornado are reminders to all residents of the importance of being “weather ready, and having a plan with two ways of receiving emergency notifications.”

For inquiries or assistance, residents and guests are encouraged to contact Daniel Gellert, Taylor County Emergency Management Director, at 715-748-3503, or Daniel.gellert@co.taylor.wi.us.