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EF-3 Tornado Tears Through Appleton Area, Devastates Menasha

Officials declared a state of emergency to speed National Guard support for rescue, cleanup and utility restoration.

Overview

  • The tornado struck the Fox Cities region on Monday, tracking roughly 12 miles from Appleton through Fox Crossing into Menasha before crossing Lake Winnebago and dissipating.
  • The National Weather Service rated the twister EF-3 with winds near 140 mph after issuing a rare “particularly dangerous situation” tornado warning.
  • Homes and businesses suffered severe structural damage with roofs stripped, buildings collapsed, vehicles overturned, and emergency teams reported injuries but no confirmed fatalities as searches and triage continued.
  • Widespread power outages left many residents without electricity and prompted boil-water advisories in parts of Fox Crossing while utility crews work to repair transmission lines and restore service.
  • Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency and local leaders requested National Guard assistance as crews carry out damage surveys, debris removal and longer-term recovery planning that could affect rebuilding and insurance costs.