Arkdale, WI-  A massive storm hit the small town of Arkdale at approximately 6:00pm tonight, April 10th.  The small town of 158 residents is located about 45 minutes east of Tomah. The storm brought a suspected “wind shear” estimated of at least 60 mph, 2 inch hail, and torrential rain fall.

The term wind shear refers to a change in wind speed or direction, or both, over a short distance.

Rescue teams and police were immediately on the scene to assess the damage and to help local residents.  Some homes were damaged from large trees and debris was strewn over a wide area throughout the town.  Many trees were topped or bend at 45 degree angles. Area rivers and streams, already swollen from the spring melt, continued to overflow their banks. The bank of storm clouds could be seen from miles away.