[1] Approaching Viroqua, Wisconsin, the funnel was accompanied by a "branch whirl holding on like a parasite."

"Death rode upon that sulphury siroc" as "the angry elements at the beck of an invisible power lay waste the fairest portion of the village."

A death toll of 17 is usually given for this tornado, but according to the History of Vernon County at least 13 people were killed in Viroqua and as many as 12 others may have died later from injuries.

The tornado moved at an estimated 60 mph as it approached a schoolhouse 2 miles east of Viroqua containing a teacher and 24 students.

Foot-square timbers were carried "long distances; tree tops were filled with feather beds, chairs, and clothing.