Tornado Touches Down in Wisconsin, Causing Widespread Damage and Power Outages

A tornado formed over Winnebago County, Wisconsin, at about 12:25 p.m. on Monday and moved across Lake Winnebago before heading toward Fond du Lac County, the National Weather Service said. The storm damaged residential structures, overturned vehicles and toppled rows of trees in Appleton, Menasha and surrounding communities, and knocked out electricity for thousands of customers.

Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson, whose jurisdiction includes most of Appleton, said officials had not confirmed any fatalities or injuries but described the damage as "extensive and severe" and advised residents to avoid travel. > "Stay put if possible. Check on loved ones and neighbors," he said.

One downtown Appleton worker described the sky darkening rapidly as the tornado passed, noting the unusual darkness.

The National Weather Service warned that additional severe weather, including possible hail, could continue across Wisconsin later Monday.