EF-3 Tornado Devastates Fox Valley, State Launches Cleanup

EF-3 Tornado Devastates Fox Valley, State Launches Cleanup

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-3 tornado ripped through the Fox Valley cities of Menasha, Appleton and Neenah, leaving extensive damage and widespread power outages while officials began coordinating cleanup and relief efforts. CNN reported that the storm moved from Appleton to Menasha, triggering a second-highest tornado warning and leaving thousands without electricity. Governor Tony Evers, speaking to WLUK, said the state was ready to assist the affected communities.

AP News noted that the tornado touched down in Winnebago County, toppled vehicles and knocked out power for more than 30,000 residents, prompting a disaster declaration and a curfew in Menasha. WISN initially classified the event as an EF-2 tornado, affecting about 18,000 customers.

Actors

Tony Evers Outagamie County officials Appleton Police Department Neenah Police Department Christ the Rock Church Menasha Senior Center Menasha Public Library

Locations

Appleton, Wisconsin Menasha, Wisconsin Outagamie County, Wisconsin Neenah, Wisconsin Wisconsin, United States

Articles

July 28, 2026
3 total
EF-3 Tornado Ravages Menasha, Appleton and Neenah; Cleanup Begins
EF-3 Tornado Ravages Menasha, Appleton and Neenah; Cleanup Begins

WLUK • 28 Jul 20:58

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-3 tornado that struck the Fox Valley on Monday, causing extensive damage and power outages, while officials coordinate cleanup and relief efforts.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center
EF2 tornado hits Winnebago County, leaves thousands without power
EF2 tornado hits Winnebago County, leaves thousands without power

WISN • 28 Jul 03:48

An EF2 tornado moved across Winnebago County, Wisconsin, causing roof loss, vehicle overturns and a citywide power outage affecting about 18,000 residents.

Credibility 78% Manip. 7% Center
Tornado hits northeastern Wisconsin, prompting disaster declaration and curfew
Tornado hits northeastern Wisconsin, prompting disaster declaration and curfew

The New York Times • 28 Jul 01:29

A tornado struck Winnebago County, causing extensive damage, power outages and a curfew in Menasha, while officials monitored for injuries.

Credibility 74% Manip. 7% Center
July 27, 2026
5 total
Tornado in northeastern Wisconsin leaves thousands without power and extensive damage
Tornado in northeastern Wisconsin leaves thousands without power and extensive damage

AP News • 27 Jul 23:32

A tornado that touched down in Winnebago County on Monday caused widespread destruction, toppled vehicles and left more than 30,000 residents without electricity, though no fatalities have been confirmed.

Credibility 77% Manip. 7% Center
Tornado Touches Down in Wisconsin, Causing Widespread Damage and Power Outages
Tornado Touches Down in Wisconsin, Causing Widespread Damage and Power Outages

FOX6 News Milwaukee • 27 Jul 21:32

A tornado struck Winnebago County, Wisconsin, around 12:25 p.m. Monday, destroying homes and trees and leaving thousands without power, while no injuries have been reported.

Credibility 71% Manip. 7% Center
Tornado damages Wisconsin towns, leaves thousands without power
Tornado damages Wisconsin towns, leaves thousands without power

PBS • 27 Jul 20:48

A tornado confirmed by the National Weather Service swept through Winnebago County, causing extensive structural damage and cutting power to more than 30,000 residents in Appleton, Menasha and surrounding areas.

Credibility 78% Manip. 8% Center
Wisconsin Governor says state prepared to aid Northeast region after tornado and storms
Wisconsin Governor says state prepared to aid Northeast region after tornado and storms

WLUK • 27 Jul 19:30

Governor Tony Evers confirmed the state is ready to assist communities in Northeast Wisconsin following a tornado and severe storms that caused road closures and power outages.

Credibility 72% Manip. 7% Center
Tornado strikes Appleton and Menasha, Wisconsin, prompting high-level warning
Tornado strikes Appleton and Menasha, Wisconsin, prompting high-level warning

CNN • 27 Jul 17:36

A tornado moved from Appleton to Menasha before dissipating over Lake Winnebago, triggering a second-highest tornado warning and leaving thousands without power.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center