Thursday, May 15, 2025, left a trail of destruction across multiple communities in southeastern Wisconsin, where a series of storms impacted with unexpected force. The cities of Mayville and Juneau, both located about 50 miles northwest of Milwaukee, were among the hardest hit.
According to local reports, numerous homes and factories suffered severe structural damage, and several people were trapped in the rubble. Emergency crews worked through the night to rescue those affected, and additional crews were deployed to assess the damage and assist those affected. Rob Boelk, Mayor of Mayville, confirmed that the south side of the city was the hardest hit: “The south side of the city has sustained substantial damage from a potential tornado. Residential homes and factories have been destroyed on a large scale,” he said in a statement.
Midwest affected
Buzzy
The storm system was not limited to Wisconsin.
As it moved eastward, it caused intense wind gusts, hail and torrential rains in several Midwestern states.
The consequences were immediate: more than 425,000 homes and businesses were without power at dawn on Friday, May 16, according to PowerOutage.us data.
The most impacted states were:
Michigan: more than 250,000 users without service.
Indiana: 65,000 affected by power outages.
Wisconsin: thousands more without power, especially in rural areas.
The situation forced the activation of emergency protocols in several counties, including shelter and supply distribution centers for those who lost access to basic services.
Impact on public events
Severe weather also forced the suspension or delay of massive events.
In Chicago, where thousands of people had gathered at Soldier Field stadium to attend Beyoncé’s concert, thunderstorms forced the evacuation of attendees to safe areas inside the venue.
The concert, part of his Cowboy Carter Tour, started more than two hours late.
Despite the extreme conditions, no injuries were reported.
The show began at 10:15 p.m., according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Residential homes and factories have been destroyed on a large scale
Rob Boelk, Mayville's major
To remain vigilant
The National Weather Service has warned that this episode is part of a pattern of severe storms that will continue for several days.
Midwest residents are urged to follow weather warnings and have emergency measures ready:
Battery-powered radios, flashlights, drinking water and evacuation plans.
The phenomenon has reignited the debate on the resilience of electrical infrastructure and the need to modernize early warning systems in rural and suburban areas.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
