In the early hours of June 8, 1984, Barneveld, Wisconsin, was struck by a devastating EF5 tornado, which resulted in the deaths of nine individuals and injuries to around 200 others. This tornado was part of a larger severe weather outbreak affecting eight Midwestern states. It began southwest of Barneveld at 12:41 a.m. and hit the village just before 1 a.m., with wind speeds estimated to exceed 300 mph. The tornado obliterated approximately 90% of Barneveld, destroying 93 homes and damaging 64 others, alongside razing 17 of the village's 18 businesses. The tornado's path extended about 36 miles and had a maximum width of 450 yards, lasting an unprecedented 59 minutes. The total damage from this disaster amounted to about $40 million, making it the second costliest tornado in Wisconsin's history. Residents have since become more vigilant regarding severe weather warnings, reflecting on the lessons learned from this tragic event.