A tornado hit northeastern Wisconsin on Monday, transforming midday into darkness and forcing employees to seek refuge in office basements. The fierce storm destroyed homes, left metal debris scattered on highways, and cut power for over 30,000 residents. As of Monday evening, no fatalities or injuries had been reported, though emergency teams continued to search the area, according to Gordon Hintz, Winnebago County’s chief elected official.
The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado’s presence in Winnebago County, about 90 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Notable damage occurred in Appleton and Menasha, where Police Chief Matt Albrecht reported significant impacts on homes and businesses.
The tornado resulted from a large storm system moving through the Great Lakes, fueled by heat and humidity, explained meteorologist Scott Berschback. Power restoration may take several days, said Hintz.
In Menasha, Heather Schroeder recounted hearing cracks and pops as the tornado destroyed a laundromat, bakery, and tavern. Rescue teams extracted an individual from one of these buildings, though their condition was unknown. Schroeder noted automobiles flipped over and a gas leak at the laundromat. “There’s nothing left,” she lamented.
The storm tore roofs from homes and overturned vehicles in Menasha, just blocks from Lake Winnebago. Video footage revealed trails of destruction, with some homes reduced to mere shells.
Greg Van Driest, in downtown Appleton during the storm, described the ominous sky as “like it was three in the morning.” The sudden darkness left many in awe.
Although no casualties or injuries were reported, Hintz acknowledged ongoing searches. He confirmed multiple reports of building damage and vehicle overturning. Authorities had activated all possible warnings to ensure public safety. “Mother Nature doesn’t really care,” Hintz commented when observing the damages.
Weather service meteorologist Holley Kamba highlighted reports of damage in 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, while seeking images of structural damage.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers expressed the state’s preparedness to support affected communities. The weather service in Green Bay issued a tornado warning at 11:59 a.m. for areas including Appleton, Menasha, and Neenah, cautioning against flying debris and advising people to find shelter.