The Appleton tornado tore across parts of Wisconsin on Monday, ripping roofs from homes, toppling trees and power lines and leaving thousands of residents without electricity as severe storms swept through the state.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed through radar that a tornado touched down in Winnebago County, roughly 90 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Authorities were assessing the extent of the destruction, with early reports pointing to significant damage across Winnebago and neighboring Outagamie County.
No deaths or injuries had been confirmed in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
Wisconsin tornado leaves trail of debris
Videos from the affected areas showed twisted sheets of metal, broken timber and other debris scattered across a highway as motorists carefully navigated around the wreckage. A warehouse also appeared to have suffered extensive damage.
National Weather Service meteorologist Holley Kamba said officials were receiving numerous reports of fallen trees and power lines across southern Outagamie County and eastern Winnebago County.
“We have been receiving calls of damage with a lot of trees down, power lines down,” Kamba said, adding that officials were also looking for images to determine the scale of structural damage.
At around 12:25 p.m., the tornado was reported to be moving over Lake Winnebago and heading south toward Fond du Lac County.
The NWS had issued a warning for a “destructive, severe” thunderstorm in the region where the tornado struck.
Appleton: Homes damaged, cars flipped
Appleton was among the communities reporting widespread storm damage.
Images shared on social media showed homes with roofs and siding torn away, overturned vehicles and roads covered with fallen branches and other debris. Appleton police said officers were responding to numerous storm-related emergency calls.
Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson said authorities had yet to confirm any fatalities or injuries but described the destruction as serious.
Menasha and Fox Crossing appeared to be among the hardest-hit areas, with reports of collapsed structures.
“All indications are that this was a devastating system that has caused extensive damage,” Nelson said.
Menasha loses power as transmission line falls
The storm also triggered a major power outage in Menasha, where the local electric utility said the entire city of approximately 18,000 residents was believed to be without electricity after a transmission line came down.
Officials began opening a temporary shelter at a local church for residents who could not safely remain in their homes or needed somewhere to stay while emergency crews assessed the damage.
Menasha police urged people to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly around damaged infrastructure and blocked roads.
“We are aware of severe damage in broad areas,” the department said in a Facebook post, warning residents to stay away from downed power lines and obey road closures.
Severe weather threat continues across Wisconsin
The danger was not over following the tornado.
The National Weather Service said severe thunderstorms could continue across east-central and southeastern Wisconsin through Monday afternoon, raising the possibility of further damage.
Forecasters warned that storms could produce winds above 60 mph, along with hail and the possibility of an isolated, short-lived tornado.
Residents in affected areas were advised to remain alert to weather warnings as emergency crews worked to clear roads, restore electricity and assess damage to homes and other buildings.
(With AP inputs)
