Menasha tornado causes extensive damage and cuts power to thousands of homes

A powerful EF2 tornado struck Wisconsin on Monday, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure in Menasha and surrounding areas. Local authorities have declared an emergency, with power outages affecting thousands and emergency shelters opened for displaced residents.
Why it matters
The event highlights the immediate impact of severe weather on local communities and the importance of emergency response coordination.
A tornado swept through Wisconsin on Monday, damaging homes, downing trees and knocking out power to thousands of people. The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado in Winnebago County, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) northwest of Milwaukee. Crews on the ground have found at least EF2 tornado damage as of Monday night. According to the NWS, EF2 tornadoes reach a wind gust of 111 to 135 mph. The twister was moving over Lake Winnebago and moving southward toward Fond du Lac County around 12:25 p.m., the National Weather Service said. Images posted to social media showed extensive damage in Appleton, including homes stripped of roofs and siding, cars flipped over and streets littered with tree limbs. In Menasha, the electric utility said the entire city of about 18,000 people is believed to be without power because of a downed transmission line. Gov.
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