Tornado causes extensive damage, multiple injuries in northeastern Wisconsin

A tornado caused extensive damage and multiple injuries in the Appleton area of northeastern Wisconsin, where homes and businesses were severely damaged, according to officials.

The storm struck Appleton, Menasha, Neenah and surrounding communities at about 12:20 p.m. Monday. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado warning for the area, describing it as a “life-threatening situation” involving a damaging tornado.

Multiple injuries have been reported, but officials did not immediately release a number or details about the type of injuries.

“Multiple businesses and homes have been severely impacted. The damage is extensive,” Menasha Police Chief Matthew Albrecht said during a briefing. “At this point, we are unsure of how bad the damage is because many roads in those same areas are impassable.”

Albrecht said the most severe damage was reported in Menasha and on the east side of the village of Fox Crossing. First responders from multiple agencies are working to enter the damage zone, search for victims and clear roads for emergency vehicles.

Appleton officials said all city departments had been fully mobilized to respond to emergency calls and restore road access. Damage assessments were also underway in Neenah, where police, firefighters and public works crews were addressing hazards and responding to calls for service.

Officials asked people to stay away from the affected communities, warning that traffic congestion was preventing emergency responders and utility crews from reaching some areas. Residents trapped in damaged neighborhoods were told to shelter in place and avoid downed utility lines.