After the storms: Gov. Scott Walker tours damage in Platteville, Verona Tuesday

MADISON (WITI) -- Severe weather, including five tornadoes, hit southern Wisconsin overnight causing significant damage and some injuries. Governor Walker and Wisconsin Emergency Management headed out Tuesday, June 17th to survey the aftermath of the storm.

“There is nothing more frightening than finding your family in the path of a severe storm, and it is a helpless feeling when your property or community suffers unpreventable damage,” Governor Walker said. “I would like to thank those who worked late into the night to track the storms and issue warnings, and all of the first responders who were on the scene to assist people in need. I would also like to thank the area residents who did what they were supposed to do – take cover in a safe place and alert others about the potentially dangerous situation. Once the damage reporting is complete, we will do whatever we can to assist in the recovery.”

In Platteville, at least five people were injured by flying glass, including one person who was taken to the hospital for treatment. The Grant County area suffered damages to buildings and homes, and trees down. Several buildings on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus sustained extensive structural damage. The campus is closed today. The National Weather Service’s preliminary information determined an EF2 tornado touched down about two miles west of Platteville, tracked through the UW-Platteville campus, ending just before Highway 151. Also, an EF1 tornado was on the ground for about a half mile near the Platteville Golf and Country Club.

In Verona, at least 30 homes sustained major damage, including 19 homes that are so severely damaged they require inspection before efforts to reconnect the power. The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF3 tornado is to blame for the extensive damage that also affected the Country View Elementary School.

In Madison, 150 homes, mostly on the southwest side and near east side, suffered damage and at least 29 homes sustained severe damage. There are also reports of trees and power lines down. The National Weather Service is still surveying damage to determine if the damage is due to high winds or tornadoes.

In northern Green County, the National Weather Service has confirmed an EF1 tornado is to blame for damages to several homes and barns.

In Lafayette County, at least 10 homes have roof or structural damage and 30 barns or sheds were damaged or destroyed.

About 12,500 are without power in the regions affected by the storm.