- Wisconsin tornado causes extensive damage and cuts power to thousands of homes.
- Three Fox Valley communities, including Menasha, have declared emergencies following the tornado, with a citywide curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. in effect until further notice.
- Dash camera footage captured the moment a woman became trapped in downed power lines in Appleton as severe weather moved through the area.
- Significant storm damage has been reported in Menasha, Appleton, and Neenah as a result of the tornado.
- Mayor Hammond issued a proclamation declaring a local state of disaster for the City of Menasha.
- A boil-water order is in effect for the Village of Fox Crossing and any City of Menasha residents served by the Village of Fox Crossing water utility.
- Residents are strongly encouraged to continue to shelter in place and avoid traveling into the City of Menasha unless absolutely necessary.
- The Menasha Police Department and public safety partners are actively responding to significant storm damage throughout the city.
A tornado struck northeastern Wisconsin on Monday, blackening the midday sky and sending workers sheltering in office basements as fierce winds splintered homes and scattered twisted metal across highways. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado in Winnebago County, impacting Appleton and Menasha, where emergency declarations were issued.234
Three communities declared local states of emergency, allowing them to coordinate response efforts and document damages for potential assistance. Over 30,000 residents lost power, and a citywide curfew was established in Menasha and Fox Crossing from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Witnesses described the chaos as the tornado tore through neighborhoods. Heather Schroeder recounted hearing cracking and popping sounds as the tornado destroyed a laundromat and bakery in Menasha. Mayor Hammond declared a local state of disaster for Menasha, emphasizing the need for public safety measures.5
The storm's aftermath left significant debris, with utility crews and emergency responders actively working to restore order. Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson reported extensive damage but no confirmed fatalities or injuries. Residents are advised to shelter in place and avoid unnecessary travel as recovery efforts continue.7
The tornado was part of a larger storm system affecting the Great Lakes region, fueled by heat and humidity, leading to severe weather warnings issued shortly before the tornado touched down.
“Mayor Hammond declared a local state of disaster for Menasha, effective July 27, 2026, as the city faces significant storm damage. Residents are advised to shelter in place and avoid unnecessary travel, while utility crews and public safety partners respond to the aftermath.”
WBAY
AP News
