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Appleton, Wisconsin Tornado: EF-2 Damage, Power Outages

A destructive EF-2 tornado tore through Appleton and Menasha, Wisconsin, on July 27, leaving damaged homes, downed trees, and over 400,000 without power. The National Weather Service issued a particularly dangerous situation warning as the twister moved over Lake Winnebago.

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Appleton, Wisconsin Tornado: EF-2 Damage, Power Outages

Appleton, Wisconsin Tornado: EF-2 Damage, Power Outages

The short answer

On Monday, July 27, 2026, an EF-2 tornado with estimated peak winds of at least 111 mph touched down south of Appleton in Outagamie County, Wisconsin. It moved through Menasha, Neenah, and Oshkosh before crossing Lake Winnebago as a waterspout and dissipating. The tornado was observed for at least 20 minutes. The National Weather Service described it as 'extremely dangerous' and issued a particularly dangerous situation tornado warning at 12 p.m. CT. Damage includes ripped-off roofs, uprooted trees, downed power poles, and a flipped vehicle. Over 400,000 utility customers in Wisconsin and Illinois lost power. Local authorities urged residents to shelter in place as first responders assessed damage. No injuries have been reported in initial statements.

Why it's trending

The tornado caused widespread structural damage and power outages in a populated region, with dramatic drone footage and social media posts driving immediate national attention. The event is part of an exceptionally active July for severe weather in the Midwest, and ongoing damage surveys continue to draw interest.

A destructive EF-2 tornado tore through parts of Outagamie and Winnebago Counties in Wisconsin on Monday afternoon, July 27, damaging homes, uprooting trees, and knocking out power to over 400,000 customers. The National Weather Service (NWS) described the tornado as 'extremely dangerous' and issued a particularly dangerous situation tornado warning shortly after 12 p.m. CT, according to CNN.

The tornado touched down south of Appleton in Outagamie County, according to ABC News, and moved through Menasha, Neenah, and Oshkosh before crossing Lake Winnebago as a waterspout. CNN reports the tornado was observed for at least 20 minutes. A preliminary NWS damage survey assigned the tornado an EF-2 rating, meaning estimated peak winds of at least 111 mph, as noted by all three sources. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said on social media, 'I have been briefed on the storms... The state is ready to assist communities.'

The timeline of events: Around midday Monday, the NWS issued the warning. The tornado struck Menasha and Appleton, causing severe damage. Menasha Police Chief Matthew Albrecht urged residents to shelter in place, saying first responders were assessing damage and looking for victims, per CNN. The city of Menasha posted on Facebook asking the public to stay indoors. By evening, power outages affected over 400,000 customers in Wisconsin and Illinois, according to PowerOutage.us as cited by ABC News. The severe storms later moved into the Chicago area, prompting flash flood warnings.

The tornado is part of a multiday severe weather outbreak across the Midwest and East, with FOX Weather noting an exceptionally active July. Damage surveys continue on Tuesday, and the full extent of destruction is still being assessed. Residents are advised to avoid travel in affected areas as cleanup and restoration efforts begin.

Timeline

  1. Tornado warning issued

    The National Weather Service issued a particularly dangerous situation tornado warning for the Appleton area as a confirmed tornado touched down south of Appleton in Outagamie County. (CNN, ABC News)

  2. Tornado strikes Menasha and Appleton

    The EF-2 tornado moved through Menasha, Neenah, and Oshkosh, causing roof damage, downed trees, and flipped vehicles. It then crossed Lake Winnebago as a waterspout and dissipated after about 20 minutes. (CNN, ABC News)

  3. Governor and local officials respond

    Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers stated he was briefed on the storms. Menasha Police Chief Matthew Albrecht urged residents to shelter in place. The city of Menasha asked the public to avoid travel due to debris and downed power lines. (CNN, ABC News)

  4. Power outages reported

    Over 400,000 utility customers in Wisconsin and Illinois were without power, according to PowerOutage.us. (ABC News)

  5. Damage surveys continue

    The National Weather Service continues damage surveys to refine the tornado's rating and path. (CNN, FOX Weather)

Questions people ask

What was the tornado rating?

The tornado received a preliminary EF-2 rating, with estimated peak winds of at least 111 mph, according to the National Weather Service. (CNN, ABC News, FOX Weather)

How many power outages were there?

Over 400,000 utility customers in Wisconsin and Illinois lost power, as reported by PowerOutage.us and cited by ABC News. (ABC News)

Was anyone injured?

No injuries were reported in initial statements from local authorities or news sources. Officials were still assessing damage and searching for victims as of Monday evening. (CNN, ABC News)

Where did the tornado hit?

The tornado touched down south of Appleton in Outagamie County and moved through Menasha, Neenah, and Oshkosh in Winnebago County before crossing Lake Winnebago. (ABC News, CNN)

How long did the tornado last?

The tornado was observed for at least 20 minutes, from near Appleton to the northern coast of Lake Winnebago. (CNN)

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