BARNEVELD, WI — Shortly before 1 a.m. on June 8, 1984, a powerful tornado hit Barneveld and killed nine people while destroying about 90% of the village. The storm struck during a larger outbreak that produced tornadoes across southern Wisconsin and several other Midwest states.

How The Storm Hit

According to the National Weather Service, the tornado formed southwest of Barneveld at 12:41 a.m. local time and moved through the village before 1 a.m. The Wisconsin State Climatology Office estimates its winds topped 300 mph, and current standards would rank it as an EF5.

Widespread Damage In Town

The tornado injured 200 people, demolished 93 homes and damaged 64 more. It also destroyed 17 of Barneveld’s 18 businesses and public buildings before dissipating around 1:40 a.m. in northern Dane County.

Warnings And Response

A tornado watch had been issued for the area, but there was no tornado warning before the storm arrived. The National Weather Service says a watch signals the possibility of tornado development, while a warning means a tornado has been sighted or detected and poses imminent danger.

Lasting Cost And Memory

The storm covered about 36 miles and was on the ground for 59 minutes, far longer than a typical tornado. It caused about $40 million in damage, including roughly $25 million in Barneveld alone, and remains the second costliest tornado in Wisconsin history.

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