With the vast size of America, there are different climates for very corner of the country that lend way to devastating natural disasters, from blazing wildfires and torrential mudslides to tornadoes cutting down everything in their path and hurricanes drenching coastal states, leaving a path of destruction in its wake; however, some events hit harder than others.
According to a list compiled by 24/7 Wall St., the "worst natural disaster" record in Wisconsin is the Peshtigo Fire of October 1871, which had between 1,500 and 2,000 fatalities and is considered the "most devastating" forest fire in U.S. history, according to the National Weather Service. The Barneveld tornado outbreak of 1984 was also considered a terrible natural disaster that rocked the Badger State.
Here's how 24/7 Wall St. determined its list:
"24/7 Wall St. reviewed government sources on the weather events in each state's history that caused the highest number of fatalities to determine the worst natural disaster in each state. [...] The United States ranks first globally in the number of extreme weather events and its weather continues to become more volatile. According to the National Center for Environmental Information, in 2023 there were 28 weather events that each caused over $1 billion in damage."
Check out the full list at 247wallst.com to read up on the worst natural disaster recorded in other states. You can also see our previous coverage of the most "extreme" temperatures ever recorded in Wisconsin.