Tornado Devastates Wisconsin, Mayor Issues Disaster Proclamation

Name: Tornado Devastates Wisconsin, Mayor Issues Disaster Proclamation
Uploaded: 2026-07-28T16:34:12.000Z
Description: The storm prompted local disaster and emergency declarations, knocked out power to tens of thousands, and left emergency crews searching the hardest-hit areas for victims while clearing blocked roads. No fatalities had been reported as of Monday evening.

The storm prompted local disaster and emergency declarations, knocked out power to tens of thousands, and left emergency crews searching the hardest-hit areas for victims while clearing blocked roads. No fatalities had been reported as of Monday evening.

Kelly McBride Ni

Published: 7/27/2026, 11:00:33 PM EDT

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A powerful tornado tore through northeastern Wisconsin on Monday, ripping roofs from homes, overturning vehicles, and damaging neighborhoods, businesses, and public infrastructure across the Fox Valley.

No fatalities had been reported as of Monday evening.

City of Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond declared a local state of disaster effective July 27 after the tornado struck at around 12:20 p.m.

Neighboring Neenah also declared a local state of emergency after officials reported structural damage, utility outages, and blocked roads.

The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the tornado struck near the northern end of Lake Winnebago after warnings were issued shortly before noon. Preliminary surveys found at least EF-2 tornado damage in Menasha, indicating estimated winds of 111 to 135 mph. NWS said it "may take a few days for the assessments to be finalized."

The tornado cut a destructive path through Menasha, Appleton, Grand Chute, Fox Crossing, and Doty Island, damaging homes, businesses, schools, and public infrastructure.

Officials reported overturned vehicles, widespread structural damage, fallen trees, and downed power lines. In some neighborhoods, roofs were torn from homes, with debris covering neighborhoods and twisted metal scattered along highways.

Menasha Police Chief Matthew Albrecht said multiple homes and businesses were severely damaged, and emergency crews initially could not reach parts of the city because roads were blocked by debris.

"At this point, we are unaware, unsure of how bad the damage is because many roads in those same areas are impassable," Albrecht said. He said first responders were working to enter affected neighborhoods to "look for injuries, look for victims" while clearing roads for emergency access.

Albrecht urged residents to avoid damaged areas.

"Right now, there are many downed power lines, downed trees, and multiple hazardous situations. Please stay out," he said.

Community Church Open Emergency Shelter

An emergency shelter opened Monday afternoon at Christ the Rock Community Church for residents displaced by the storm, according to the City of Menasha Police Department.

Storm damage also caused widespread power outages. We Energies reported outages peaked at more than 126,000 customers before improving later in the day. By Monday evening, nearly 97,000 customers remained without power statewide, including more than 22,000 in Appleton.

Travel across the region was also disrupted. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation closed portions of U.S. 10 and State 441 after multiple semi-trucks overturned, causing fuel leaks. Many local roads remained closed from the damage.

Damage extended beyond neighborhoods. Menasha High School's Nathan Calder Stadium sustained significant damage after high winds tore apart portions of its bleachers. Heckrodt Wetland Reserve temporarily closed all trails as crews assess damage and remove debris.

Gov. Tony Evers said the state was prepared to assist affected communities.

"The state is ready to assist communities however we can," Evers said in a statement posted on X. "I also want to thank the emergency responders who are hitting the ground to help. As storms continue, stay alert and stay safe, Wisconsin."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.