Destructive Tornado Ravages Wisconsin, Leaving Homes in Ruins

WHO:

NY Post - No reported deaths have been attributed to the tornado.

CBS News - The National Weather Service conducted an assessment of the damage.

WHAT:

WLUK - The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado that struck Menasha was an EF-3 with a width of 1,500 yards and traveled 12.1 miles with wind speeds of 140 mph.

WLUK - There have been 59 confirmed tornadoes in the state so far this year.

WLUK - As of the latest report, crews have restored power to more than 19,000 customers of Wisconsin Public Service and over 79,000 customers of We Energies across the state.

WLUK - Three emergency shelters are open for residents affected by the storms: Christ the Rock Church, the Elks Lodge, and Calvary Bible Church.

CBS News - A tornado with winds of 140 miles per hour tore through central Wisconsin.

CBS News - The tornado created a 12-mile-long swath of damage.

WHERE:

WLUK - The tornado impacted areas of Appleton, Neenah, and Menasha.

CBS News - The tornado impacted central Wisconsin.

WHEN:

CBS News - The tornado occurred on a Monday.

WHY:

NY Post - The timing of the storm may have contributed to the absence of reported deaths.

HOW:

WLUK - A curfew is in place for Menasha from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for all individuals in public places.

CBS News - The tornado caused trees and power lines to collapse around cars.

(UPDATED July 29, 2026 16:24 UTC)

A powerful EF-3 tornado, with wind speeds reaching 140 miles per hour and a width of 1,500 yards, struck areas including Menasha, Appleton, and Neenah, traveling a distance of 12.1 miles. In response to the storm, three emergency shelters are now open for affected residents, and crews have successfully restored power to over 98,000 customers across Wisconsin. Additionally, a curfew is currently in effect for Menasha from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for anyone in public places.

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(UPDATED July 29, 2026 15:39 UTC)

A powerful tornado with winds reaching 140 miles per hour tore through central Wisconsin, leaving a 12-mile-long path of destruction. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported, which may be attributed to the timing of the storm, as it occurred on a Monday. The National Weather Service has since conducted an assessment of the damage, noting that the tornado caused trees and power lines to collapse around vehicles.