Ladysmith, WI F3 Tornado – September 2, 2002

The first tornadic supercell to rake Wisconsin this day started just west of Ladysmith and tore through the downtown before moving into rural parts of eastern Rusk County.  Injury totals fluctuated at first, but Rusk County Emergency Management stated there were approximately 27 injuries, none more serious than a broken leg.  The NWS performed a damage survey the next day, and the most severe damage, rated F3, was in downtown Ladysmith.  In this area 4 blocks wide and 16 blocks long, 40 buildings were destroyed and 159 damaged.  One church was blown off its foundation, although during the damage survey, it was apparent that it had been barely attached to the foundation.  A pickup truck was also picked up and thrown into a tree.  Two old brick buildings collapsed.  As the tornado reached the east side of Ladysmith, it weakened to F2 status.  Once it left Ladysmith, the tornado continued on an eastward path, striking a number of rural farm houses and producing mostly F1 damage until it dissipated.