EF1 tornado confirmed in Town of Pine River; cleanup underway

According to the Pine River Fire Department, on April 18, 2026, the National Weather Service confirmed that the storm that struck far southeastern Lincoln County the previous evening was an EF1 tornado. With wind gusts reaching 110 mph, the tornado was on the ground for approximately 15 minutes and traveled just over four miles.
The Pine River Fire Department responded the evening of April 17 after the storm damaged multiple structures in the Town of Pine River. Firefighters checked all residences in the affected area and confirmed no injuries to people or animals.
“The main path of the storm was the far southeastern part of the town from Cty. Rd. WW to Cty. Rd. X,” the department said. “Damage was centered around County Line Rd. and Cty. Rd. X and P areas.”
By April 18, cleanup was underway across affected properties, with multiple crews and equipment observed working in the area. Lincoln County Emergency Management director reported that only three properties remained without power as of that time, though Wisconsin Public Service crews and electrical contractors were active in the area that afternoon.
In addition to Pine River firefighters, the response involved Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies, the Lincoln County Highway Department, Town of Pine River town crew, and WPS.

All roads in the area remain open, but the department discouraged unnecessary traffic through the neighborhood.
“This is not the time to go touring,” the department said. “Stay clear of this area as these homeowners work to recover.”
Residents needing water for animals, shower facilities, or a place to charge their phone were encouraged to contact the Pine River Fire Department via Facebook Messenger. The department also noted that collection drives for storm victims in the Ringle area — in neighboring Marathon County, which was even more significantly impacted — have been advertised on local social media, and encouraged those able to contribute to do so.