Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency on July 28 after severe storms swept through eastern Wisconsin, spawning a tornado in the Menasha and Appleton areas.
Preliminary surveys of the damage indicated the tornado reached EF3 intensity—with estimated wind speeds exceeding 136 mph—causing widespread damage, power outages, and disruptions to public water systems, according to the governor’s office.
The EF rating refers to the Enhanced Fujita scale, which classifies tornado intensity based on damage seen in post-storm surveys.
Evers said the emergency declaration would allow state officials to deploy all available resources to respond to the situation.
“We are continuing to assess the devastation and destruction Wisconsin is seeing, especially in the Fox Cities, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help every family, business, and community affected recover,” the governor said in a statement.
He noted that multiple fire services, law enforcement agencies, utility providers, volunteer groups, and other emergency response agencies have deployed crews to assist recovery efforts in the affected areas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said clusters of thunderstorms swept southeast across northern and eastern Wisconsin on July 27, with wind damage reported in parts of Vilas, Oneida, and Forest counties.
According to the weather agency, “a significant tornado” with estimated peak winds of 140 mph struck the Appleton and Menasha areas around noon on July 27.
NWS said it also received reports of hailstones exceeding 2 inches in some locations, including hail measuring more than 4 inches in diameter in Shawano county.
City of Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond declared a local state of disaster on July 27 after a tornado struck the city at around 12.20 pm local time.
Hammond said Menasha is “closed” due to the extensive damage caused by the severe weather, citing multiple hazards, including downed power lines and debris.
“Multiple community members and businesses have been impacted,” the mayor said in a statement. “First responders are working in Menasha and Fox Crossing to assess damage, rescue anyone needing assistance, clear public infrastructure, and make sure our community is safe.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a temporary flight restriction on July 28, barring people from flying drones within a two-mile radius of the Menasha Police Department until Aug. 1.
The Menasha Police Department said it requested the flight restriction to ensure a safe operating environment for crews working in the immediate disaster area.
The City of Neenah in Wisconsin also declared a local state of emergency on July 27 to provide assistance and facilitate recovery efforts after the storm damaged buildings, downed trees and power lines, and caused disruptions to utility service.
