Full Breakdown
Tornado and Severe Storms Ravage Appleton Area on July 27, 2026
7/28/2026, 3:10:38 PM
Core Event
On July 27, 2026 a confirmed tornado touched down west of Appleton with estimated winds of 124 mph, producing EF-2 damage across the Fox Valley. The tornado moved through Appleton, Menasha, Neenah and Oshkosh, toppling trees, snapping power poles and ripping sections of roofs, including the Miller Electric plant on Spencer Street. Power lines were downed around dozens of vehicles, and a vehicle on Spencer Street was surrounded by live wires as the driver called 911.
Background & Context
Clusters of thunderstorms, including several supercells, tracked southeastward across northern and eastern Wisconsin that morning. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado and warned of additional severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and straight-line winds across the region.
Timeline
- July 27, 2026 (morning) – Supercell thunderstorms develop over northern Wisconsin.
- ?12:20 p.m. – Tornado touches down west of Appleton; winds reach 124 mph.
- Afternoon – Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford briefs the public, emphasizing emergency response and road clearance.
- 5:30 p.m. – Neenah Council President Dan Steiner declares a local state of emergency.
- Evening – Menasha Mayor Hammond issues a local state of disaster; a citywide curfew (10 p.m.–5 a.m.) is enacted.
- Night – Emergency shelters open at Christ the Rock Community Church, the Elks Lodge and Calvary Bible Church; bus transport is provided for residents unable to reach shelters.
Data & Statistics
- Wind speeds reported at 124 mph.
- Preliminary surveys indicate EF-2 tornado damage in Menasha (National Weather Service).
- >400,000 utility customers in Wisconsin and Illinois experienced power outages.
- No confirmed deaths; “few” injuries reported.
Official Statements & Responses
City officials mobilized all departments for emergency calls and road restoration. Mayor Woodford urged residents to “look out for your neighbors” and to be patient as crews clear debris. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said the state is ready to assist affected communities. The Winnebago County Emergency Operations Center was activated, and Volunteer Fox Cities coordinated volunteer efforts.
On-the-Ground Reports
Resident Sean Carriveau described arriving home to see a bus with power lines on it and streets littered with trees. Angela Dontje used her Jeep’s winch to free a neighbor’s Silverado trapped beneath a fallen tree.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No fatalities have been confirmed by any source. Information on the full extent of structural damage and the timeline for power restoration remains pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This declaration allows the City to take the necessary actions to protect public health and safety, coordinate response efforts, authorize emergency resources, and document damages and costs for potential state and federal assistance,” — Dan Steiner, council president
- “I have been briefed on the storms making their way through Wisconsin. The state is ready to assist communities however we can,” — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers
What’s Next
The curfew in Menasha remains in effect until further notice, with exemptions for essential workers. A boil-water order is active for the Village of Fox Crossing and affected Menasha residents. Emergency shelters will stay open overnight, and residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid downed power lines and use 911 only for emergencies. The Winnebago County Emergency Operations Center will continue to coordinate response and recovery efforts.
