Tornado in northeastern Wisconsin leaves thousands without power and extensive damage

A tornado struck northeastern Wisconsin on Monday, ripping roofs off homes, overturning vehicles and knocking out power for over 30,000 customers in Winnebago and Outagamie counties. The National Weather Service confirmed the twister in Winnebago County, about 90 miles northwest of Milwaukee, after a large storm system moved through the Great Lakes region.

Officials reported extensive damage in the cities of Appleton, Menasha and Fox Crossing. Police Chief Matt Albrecht said homes and businesses were "severely impacted," and the electric utility estimated that the entire city of Menasha, home to roughly 18,000 people, lost power. Emergency crews were searching for injured persons and attempting to clear impassable roads.

State officials said the governor’s office is prepared to assist affected communities. Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson described the damage as "extensive and severe," while Winnebago County’s top elected official Gordon Hintz warned that power restoration could take several days.

Residents described the storm’s intensity, with one witness noting the sky turned dark as night and hearing cracking sounds as the tornado tore through a laundromat, bakery and tavern. No deaths or injuries have been reported so far, but searches continue.

The tornado warning was issued at 11:59 a.m. for the Fox Cities region, alerting residents to dangerous debris and urging them to seek shelter. The storm moved southward later Monday, dissipating as it entered the Chicago area.