EF2 tornado hits Winnebago County, leaves thousands without power

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF2 tornado in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, on Monday afternoon, reporting wind speeds of 111 to 135 mph. The storm traveled over Lake Winnebago before moving south toward Fond du Lac County around 12:25 p.m.

Damage in Appleton included homes stripped of roofs and siding, overturned cars and streets littered with tree limbs, according to images shared on social media. In Menasha, a downed transmission line knocked out electricity for the entire city of roughly 18,000 people, the local electric utility said.

Governor Tony Evers said he had been briefed on the storms and that the state is prepared to assist affected communities. He also thanked emergency responders on the ground.

"I have been briefed on the storms making their way through Wisconsin. The state is ready to assist communities however we can. I also want to thank the emergency responders who are hitting the ground to help. As storms continue, stay alert and stay safe, Wisconsin."

Menasha police urged residents to avoid non-essential travel into the city. Police, fire rescue, public works, utility crews and other public safety partners are responding to the damage. The Winnebago County Office of Emergency Management opened an emergency shelter at Christ the Rock Community Center at 2:30 p.m., while the Menasha Senior Center and Public Library were designated as cooling shelters.