The northeastern region of Wisconsin experienced a powerful tornado on Monday, causing midday skies to darken and forcing local workers into office basements for safety. The fierce winds dismantled homes, scattered twisted metal across highways, and knocked out power for over 30,000 residents. Fortunately, by Monday evening, no fatalities or injuries had been reported, but emergency officials continued their search, according to Gordon Hintz, the top elected official of Winnebago County.
The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado’s presence in Winnebago County, situated about 90 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Reported damage in cities such as Appleton and Menasha impacted homes and businesses, with Menasha Police Chief Matt Albrecht noting significant damage.
According to National Weather Service meteorologist Scott Berschback, the tornado stemmed from a large storm system fueled by heat and humidity, sweeping across the Great Lakes. Power restoration in the damaged areas might take several days, said Hintz.
Witness Heather Schroeder described hearing cracking and popping sounds as the tornado tore through a laundromat, a bakery, and a tavern clustered around a street corner in Menasha, south of Green Bay. Rescue workers pulled an individual from one of the buildings, but the person’s condition remained unclear. Schroeder reported cars overturned and a gas leak at the laundromat. ‘There’s nothing left,’ she said, emphasizing the tornado’s impact on one neighborhood, where it stripped roofs, flipped vehicles, and left some houses with only outer walls.
In downtown Appleton, Greg Van Driest voiced the eerie feeling as the sky darkened to resemble nighttime. Cassandra and Brooke Baron contributed to cleanup efforts by removing fallen tree branches from a car in Menasha.
Even though the damage was widespread, with overturned vehicles and destroyed buildings, storm warnings had been duly activated, explained Hintz. Holley Kamba, another meteorologist, reported substantial damage in southern Outagamie County and eastern Winnebago County, including downed trees and power lines.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers assured that the state is prepared to aid affected communities. Prior to the tornado’s arrival, a severe thunderstorm warning highlighted the potential for winds reaching up to 60 mph. A tornado warning specific to the Fox Cities region, which encompasses Appleton, Menasha, and Neenah, was issued at 11:59 a.m., advising residents of the dangers from flying debris.
Photos on social media depicted the extensive damage in Appleton, including stripped roofs and scattered tree limbs. Traffic disruptions were commonplace, with downed trees and malfunctioning traffic signals contributing.
Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson confirmed there were no fatalities or injuries yet but acknowledged the severe impact on Menasha and Fox Crossing. In Menasha, utility reports suggested the entire city, housing about 18,000 people, lacked power. Authorities set up a shelter at a church to aid displaced residents.
Emergency crews faced challenges accessing some affected areas due to impassable roads. Albrecht cautioned residents to avoid hard-hit areas, emphasizing hazards from downed power lines and debris.
Late Monday, the storm started to move away from Wisconsin, heading south of Milwaukee toward Chicago, diminishing in strength.
The report was contributed by various correspondents including Mayes-Osterman from Chicago, Seewer from Toledo, Christopher L. Keller in Albuquerque, and others across the U.S.