A tornado hit north-eastern Wisconsin on Monday, July 27, 2026, causing extensive damage and cutting power to over 30,000 people. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado in Winnebago county, approximately 90 miles north-west of Milwaukee.
The severe weather blackened the midday sky, with ferocious winds splintering homes and scattering twisted metal. Damage was reported in cities such as Appleton and Menasha, where police chief Matt Albrecht stated some homes and businesses were "severely impacted." In Menasha, roofs were ripped off homes and vehicles were flipped, with some residences reduced to their outer walls.
Winnebago county's top elected official, Gordon Hintz, said there were no immediate reports of fatalities or injuries, though emergency officials were still searching. The Wisconsin governor, Tony Evers, has stated the state is ready to assist affected communities.
The tornado was over Lake Winnebago and moving southward towards Fond du Lac county around 12:25 pm. Authorities in Menasha were opening a shelter at a church for those needing temporary safety or unable to remain in their homes, as the entire city of about 18,000 people was believed to be without power.