A tornado struck northeastern Wisconsin on Monday, the US National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed, touching down in Winnebago County approximately 90 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Damage was reported in cities including Appleton and Menasha. No injuries or fatalities had been reported at the time of the reports.
Greg Van Driest described the scene as "ominous," adding that it was dark enough to look like three in the morning.
Holley Kamba, a meteorologist with the NWS, noted that they were receiving reports of significant tree damage. The NWS had issued a 'destructive, severe' thunderstorm warning for the affected region. Forecasters warned that more storms were expected throughout the day.
Gordon Hintz, Winnebago County's top elected official, said he wasn't aware of any fatalities or injuries and described footage as 'devastating'. The tornado ripped roofs off homes and flipped vehicles in Menasha. Menasha Police Chief Matt Albrecht confirmed some homes and businesses were 'severely impacted'. Some homes were reduced to their outer walls, and a warehouse sustained significant damage.
The Appleton Police Department acknowledged 'several downed trees and large tree limbs throughout the city'. The Menasha Police Department urged the public to stay indoors and avoid driving due to downed power lines and trees. Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson urged residents to avoid travel and 'stay put if possible'. A shelter was opened at a local church for those displaced or seeking temporary safety.
The tornado was moving over Lake Winnebago heading south toward Fond du Lac County. The storm was capable of producing winds exceeding 60 mph (97 km/h), with hail and the potential for isolated, brief tornadoes forecast. The NWS predicted severe weather to continue through Monday afternoon. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said the state 'is ready to assist communities however we can'.
The tornado knocked out power to more than 30,000 people. Twisted metal and wood debris were strewn across highways, forcing cars to navigate around the wreckage. Social media images showed homes stripped of roofs and siding, overturned vehicles, and streets filled with tree limbs. All available storm warnings were activated ahead of time to warn residents.
Updates
The tornado traveled approximately 12 miles over a 20-minute period after touching down at 1pm, reaching a width of nearly a mile. While sources are currently divided on whether the storm was an EF-2 or an EF-3 and whether dozens were injured, Governor Tony Evers has declared a state of emergency. Reports on power outages also conflict, with figures ranging from 10,000 to over 15,000 customers currently affected. Additionally, a boil water advisory has been issued for part of Fox Crossing.
The tornado touched down around 1 p.m., remaining on the ground for over 20 minutes while traveling approximately 12 miles with a maximum width of nearly a mile. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has declared a state of emergency for the affected regions, while sources provide conflicting reports regarding the storm's intensity, ranging from EF-2 to EF-3, and the number of injuries, which some reports suggest reached dozens. Power remains an issue, with estimates of customers without electricity varying between 10,000 and 15,000, and a boil water advisory has been issued for a section of Fox Crossing due to loss of pressure.
The tornado touched down around 1 p.m., remaining on the ground for over 20 minutes while traveling approximately 12 miles with a maximum width of nearly a mile. While sources are currently divided on the intensity, with preliminary data suggesting ratings between EF-2 and EF-3, and reports on the exact number of power outages and injuries fluctuating, Governor Tony Evers has officially declared a state of emergency. Additionally, authorities have issued a boil water advisory for parts of Fox Crossing due to a loss of system pressure, as crews work to restore power hampered by lines tangled in fallen trees.
The tornado remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, traveling approximately 12 miles and reaching a width of nearly a mile. While sources dispute whether the storm was an EF-2 or EF-3, Governor Tony Evers has officially declared a state of emergency. Reports regarding casualties and power outages remain conflicting, with sources citing between 10,000 and 15,000 customers still without electricity, and some reports indicating dozens of injuries. Additionally, a boil water advisory has been issued for parts of Fox Crossing following a loss of water pressure.
The tornado, which touched down around 1 p.m., remained on the ground for over 20 minutes while traveling approximately 12 miles and reaching a width of nearly a mile. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has declared a state of emergency for the affected areas, and a boil water advisory is now in effect for parts of Fox Crossing. Reports on the storm's intensity remain disputed, with estimates ranging from EF-2 to EF-3, while casualty figures are also contested, with claims of dozens injured. Power restoration efforts remain slow due to tangled lines, with estimates of residents without electricity varying between 10,000 and 15,000 customers.
