Tornado damage in Menasha, July 28, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Gov. Tony Evers has declared a state of emergency in response to a tornado that went through the Fox Valley, destroying homes, businesses and infrastructure.
“We are continuing to assess the devastation and destruction Wisconsin is seeing, especially in the Fox Cities, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help every family, business, and community affected recover,” Evers wrote. “This emergency declaration will ensure every available resource is deployed so we can respond quickly to the needs on the ground, and I want to thank the neighbors, emergency and first responders, local partners, and volunteers who are already working to help to restore essential services, clean up neighborhoods, and assess the damages. Together, we will recover and recover stronger, and I ask everyone to keep the families and communities affected in your thoughts over the coming days and weeks as they rebuild.”
During a briefing Tuesday, Winnebago County Executive Gordon Hinz says once the state of emergency is declared, the National Guard assistance request for cleanup should come shortly afterward.
An EF-3 tornado destroyed parts of Appleton, Menasha and Neenah Monday, leaving a 12-mile path of destruction.
Some affected residents are without power, water and/or shelter.
It may take several days to restore power to the Menasha area for We Energies and Menasha Utilities customers. Utility officials ask community members to stay away from downed lines and power poles.
- Click here to see current We Energies power outages
Menasha Police Chief Matthew Albrecht adds that it’s important for people to respect road closures and barricades around areas where crews are working. Giving them space will make restoration efforts go faster and smoother.
He also said the 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew will continue for several days in Menasha and the east side of Fox Crossing.
Albrecht says there were reported injuries from the storms but does not know how many. The department does not have any reports of missing people. Albrecht says that could be because the tornado passed through during the middle of the workday when less people were home.
There are three community shelters for those displaced:
- Christ the Rock Church at W6254 US Highway 10/114 in Menasha; it is open for overnight sheltering and is a reunification spot
- Calvary Bible Church on Oakridge Road in Neenah
- Neenah YMCA
There are also charging stations available at the Winnebago Fox Cities campus and the old Shopko shopping center.
Those displaced can also get free lunches Tuesday and Wednesday at the Neenah library.
Volunteer Fox Cities is coordinating volunteer efforts through their website and Facebook page.
And all Menasha School District buildings are closed while its staff inspect each building to ensure the safety of its infrastructure. Although Gegan Elementary School and Calder Stadium sustained significant damage, each building will be inspected before its reopened. The district will communicate regularly with families from its social media page. The first day of school is Aug. 31.
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