Communities across northeast Wisconsin are beginning the cleanup process after powerful storms swept through the region Monday morning, bringing a confirmed EF-3 tornado, destructive winds, and large hail that caused widespread damage.
The National Weather Service confirmed Tuesday that a tornado that moved through parts of the Fox Valley, including Appleton, Neenah, and Menasha, was an EF-3 tornado. The storm produced estimated wind speeds of up to 145 miles per hour, traveled approximately 12.1 miles, and reached a maximum width of 1,500 yards, the equivalent of nearly 15 football fields.
The powerful tornado left behind significant damage, including destroyed homes and businesses, downed power lines, and numerous snapped and uprooted trees. In some areas, streets remained blocked Tuesday as emergency crews worked to assess damage, clear debris, and begin restoration efforts.
The National Weather Service’s EF-3 classification means the tornado was capable of causing severe damage. Winds at that strength can tear roofs from well-built homes, damage exterior walls, overturn vehicles, and break large trees. Officials say the full extent of the damage is still being determined as crews continue surveying impacted neighborhoods.
In Menasha, residents woke up Tuesday to a difficult cleanup ahead, with some roads made impassable by fallen trees and power lines. Utility crews and emergency responders were working throughout the area, while local officials continued damage assessments.
In Shawano County and surrounding communities, the storms also brought damaging winds and some of the largest hail reported in recent memory. Some hailstones were reported to measure more than four inches in diameter, including one especially large stone discovered near Gresham. Hail of that size can cause major damage, including shattered windshields, dents to vehicles, roof damage, and destruction to outdoor property.
Residents across the region reported vehicles damaged by hail, broken windows, and yards and roadways covered with leaves, branches, and other storm debris.
Emergency officials are reminding people to use caution while cleanup efforts continue. Residents should stay away from heavily damaged areas unless necessary, avoid all downed power lines and assume they are energized, and never drive around barricades or enter areas closed by emergency personnel.
Officials are also asking people to limit non-emergency travel to allow first responders, utility crews, and cleanup workers to reach affected areas. Anyone facing an emergency should call 911, while non-emergency concerns should be reported through local non-emergency channels.
As communities begin recovery, neighbors, volunteers, and emergency crews are working together to clear damage and help those impacted by one of the most significant storms to hit the region in recent years.
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