EF-2 tornado strikes the Fox Valley area, causing significant damage

On Monday, July 27, 2026, a violent EF-2 tornado struck the Fox Valley area, causing significant damage across Menasha and Appleton. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado, which was described as extremely dangerous, touched down near Menasha and moved over Lake Winnebago, leaving behind a trail of destruction in its path.

In response to the storm’s impact, the City of Neenah has declared a local state of emergency, effective as of 5:30 p.m. Monday, allowing the city to coordinate resources and manage emergency efforts. Similarly, the City of Menasha has implemented a city-wide curfew from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM, which will remain in effect until further notice, though it excludes those necessary for employment. The City of Appleton has also mobilized all departments to prioritize emergency response and assess damages. Residents in these communities are urged to prioritize their safety by staying away from damaged areas and downed power lines, and by following official guidance.  

Authorities continue to coordinate response and recovery efforts with county and state emergency management agencies, and residents are being encouraged to monitor official communication channels for ongoing updates.