Full Breakdown
Wisconsin Tornado Leaves Thousands Without Power and Causes Widespread Damage
7/28/2026, 2:06:02 AM
Core Event: Tornado Touches Down in Winnebago County
A National Weather Service (NWS) radar confirmed a tornado that formed in Winnebago County, roughly 90 miles northwest of Milwaukee. The vortex moved over Lake Winnebago and headed southward toward Fond du Lac County at about 12:25 p.m. on Monday, prompting a “destructive, severe” thunderstorm warning for the area.
Damage Assessment: Homes, Infrastructure, and Power Outages
The twister ripped roofs and siding from homes in Appleton, flipped vehicles, and scattered debris across highways. A warehouse sustained heavy damage, and numerous trees and power lines were downed. Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson described the aftermath as “extensive and severe damage” in Menasha and Fox Crossing, noting collapsed buildings. In Menasha—home to roughly 18,000 residents—the electric utility reported a city-wide power loss after a transmission line was knocked down, leaving thousands of households without electricity. The Appleton Police Department confirmed multiple downed trees and road closures, while traffic signals were out and congestion increased.
Official Statements & Responses
“We have been receiving calls of damage with a lot of trees down, power lines down,” — Holley Kamba
County Executive Tom Nelson added, “All indications are that this was a devastating system that has caused extensive damage.” “All indications are that this was a devastating system that has caused extensive damage,” — Tom Nelson, outagamie county executive
“We are aware of severe damage in broad areas," the Menasha Police Department said in a Facebook post. "We are asking the public to stay indoors, watch out for downed power lines, do not drive around road closures, and do not drive around the area unless absolutely necessary.” — The National Weather Service
Forecast and Safety Advisories
The NWS warned that severe weather will persist across east-central and southeastern Wisconsin through Monday afternoon, with winds expected to exceed 60 mph (97 kph), hail, and the possibility of an isolated, brief tornado. Residents have been urged to remain indoors, avoid downed lines, and limit travel to essential trips only.
Data & Statistics
- Tornado confirmed in Winnebago County, ~90 mi (145 km) NW of Milwaukee.
- Time of passage: ~12:25 p.m. Monday.
- No injuries reported according to NWS officials.
- Menasha’s entire population of ~18,000 without power; “thousands” of homes across the region also affected.
- Forecasted wind speeds >60 mph, with hail and potential additional tornadoes.
