Overview
- The tornado that touched down Monday near Appleton carved an about 12‑mile path south through Fox Crossing into Menasha before crossing Lake Winnebago and dissipating.
- The National Weather Service upgraded the storm to an EF-3 with estimated winds near 140 mph and said the most severe damage was concentrated in Menasha.
- Roofs and siding were stripped, some buildings were collapsed, vehicles were overturned and widespread debris blocked roads as thousands lost electricity.
- Local and state officials opened shelters, imposed curfews and mobilized utility crews after the governor approved a state emergency request to support cleanup and repairs.
- Officials say recovery will take days as crews clear roads, complete damage surveys and finalize casualty and injury counts while some water systems remain under boil orders.