Official Updates & Announcements

Updated 9 a.m. July 28. NWS damage surveys now indicate EF-3 damage in the Appleton and Menasha areas, with estimated peak winds of 140 mph. The initial July 27 assessment was EF-2; the rating was raised after crews completed ground surveys.

The tornado developed about 2 miles west-northwest of Appleton around noon and tracked south into Fox Crossing and Menasha, damaging homes, businesses and trees. No fatalities have been reported, relatively few injuries, and no one is reported missing.

Ratings can still change as surveys are finalised.

Meteorologist Kevin Scharfenberg said radar confirmed a tornado contributing to significant damage in Menasha, Grand Chute, west of downtown Appleton and down to Doty Island.

The same system produced hail over 2 inches across the region, including a report of hail more than 4 inches in Shawano County.

The NWS is the only federal agency authorized to issue official EF-Scale ratings. Treat ratings from any other source as unconfirmed.

EF Rating	3-second gust
EF-0	65–85 mph
EF-1	86–110 mph
EF-2	111–135 mph
EF-3	136–165 mph
EF-4	166–200 mph
EF-5	Over 200 mph

Outagamie County Emergency Management maintains a dedicated page for this event, updated as conditions change. It is the primary source for Appleton, Grand Chute, Kaukauna and the rest of the county.

Currently covers: cell and internet status, road closures, power outage providers, shelter and cooling sites, church-run charging and donation points, garbage and debris collection, and damage reporting.

To report property damage in Outagamie County, call 211.

The page is available in Hmong and Spanish using the language selector at the top.

Winnebago County maintains a Tornado Event Information and Resources page covering the communities south of the county line, including Menasha, Neenah, Fox Crossing and Oshkosh.

Outagamie County directs residents here for information on donations, volunteering and shelters.