A tornado struck northeastern Wisconsin on Monday, turning the midday sky dark as workers sought refuge in office basements. Fierce winds shattered homes, spread twisted metal across highways, and left over 30,000 people without power. As of Monday evening, no fatalities or injuries had been reported, but emergency crews continued search efforts, according to Gordon Hintz, Winnebago County’s chief elected official.
The National Weather Service confirmed that the tornado hit Winnebago County, about 90 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Damage was seen in cities like Appleton and Menasha. Menasha’s Police Chief, Matt Albrecht, noted severe effects on homes and businesses there.
The tornado was a byproduct of a large storm system fueled by rising heat and humidity that passed through the Great Lakes, explained meteorologist Scott Berschback from the National Weather Service. Hintz mentioned a potential several-day wait before power could be restored in the affected areas.
Heather Schroeder witnessed the tornado tear through a laundromat, a bakery, and a tavern at a street corner in Menasha, about 30 miles south of Green Bay. She described hearing cracking sounds as rescue workers saved someone from one of the damaged buildings. Nearby, cars were overturned, and a gas leak occurred at the laundromat.
The tornado removed roofs from homes and flipped vehicles in a Menasha neighborhood, leaving a trail of destruction, with some homes reduced to mere outer walls. Witness Greg Van Driest, working in downtown Appleton, described the ominous darkness that descended over the area, likening it to the middle of the night.
Search Efforts and Damage Reports
No deaths or injuries have been reported, but searches continue. Hintz mentioned receiving multiple reports of destroyed buildings and overturned vehicles. Storm warnings were issued promptly to urge people to seek safety.
Meteorologist Holley Kamba reported damage in southern Outagamie County and eastern Winnebago County, including numerous downed trees and power lines. The weather service continues to gather images of structural damage.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers stated that the state is prepared to assist affected communities as needed. The weather service’s Green Bay office issued a tornado warning at 11:59 a.m. for the Fox Cities region, including Appleton, Menasha, and Neenah, cautioning against flying and hazardous debris, damaged mobile homes, vehicles, and trees, advising individuals to take shelter immediately.
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