A series of tornadoes swept through Wisconsin on July 27, 2026, particularly affecting the Fox Valley area, including Appleton and Menasha. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that an extremely dangerous tornado was observed, prompting urgent warnings for residents to take cover.
Key facts
A confirmed tornado hit parts of Appleton and Menasha, moving southeast at 40 mph.
Multiple tornado warnings were issued across Calumet, Manitowoc, Outagamie, and Winnebago counties.
Nearly 70,000 We Energies customers lost power due to the storms, with over 22,000 outages reported in Outagamie County.
Severe damage was reported, including downed trees, destroyed buildings, and extensive debris in affected areas.
Why it matters: These tornadoes represent a serious weather event for Wisconsin, highlighting the need for preparedness and community response in the face of severe storms.
The NWS issued a particularly dangerous situation tornado warning, indicating the severity of the storm.
Officials emphasized the life-threatening nature of the tornado, urging residents to seek shelter immediately.
This event adds to the growing concerns about severe weather patterns in the Midwest, linked to climate changes.
Driving the news: The first tornado warning was issued by the NWS at 11:59 a.m. for several counties, including Winnebago, where a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was detected.
The tornado warning for Appleton expired at 12:45 p.m. as the storm weakened.
Spotters reported a funnel cloud and hail up to two inches wide during the storm.
Power outages were widespread, affecting nearly 70,000 customers across Wisconsin, with major impacts in Winnebago and Calumet counties.
State of play: Emergency services, including the Menasha Police Department and Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue Department, are actively responding to the aftermath of the storms.
Residents were advised to stay away from affected areas, avoid downed power lines, and limit non-emergency travel.
Video footage showed extensive damage, including homes missing roofs and vehicles flipped over.
Public safety officials are prioritizing the safety of residents and responding personnel as they assess the damage.
The big picture: This series of tornadoes adds to a troubling trend of severe weather in the Midwest, raising awareness about the importance of storm readiness.
Earlier, a 29-year-old man was killed in Whitewater, Wisconsin, from a suspected lightning strike as storms moved across the area.
More than 390,000 customers experienced power outages in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana due to severe thunderstorms.
The NWS continues to monitor conditions, warning of potential additional tornadoes as storms progress south across eastern Wisconsin.
What they're saying: Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for severe weather.
“We are aware of severe damage in broad areas. We are asking the public to stay indoors and watch out for downed power lines,” the Menasha Police Department stated.
The NWS advises that during a tornado, the safest place is in a basement or the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
“If you are outdoors or in a vehicle, seek substantial shelter immediately,” NWS officials warned.
By the numbers: The impact of this storm system has been severe.
Over 15,000 customers are without power in Winnebago and Calumet counties.
More than 18,000 customers in neighboring Outagamie County also reported outages.
This was Dodge County's second tornado warning of the day, demonstrating the storm's intensity.
What's next: As recovery efforts begin, local authorities will continue to assess the damage and restore power to affected areas.
Emergency services are focused on ensuring public safety and supporting those impacted by the storms.
The NWS will provide updates on weather conditions and any new warnings as necessary.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news and weather channels, especially as the storm system continues to evolve.