NWS confirms EF-3 tornado hit Fox Valley; max winds of 140 mph
Drone footage shows storm damage in Fox Valley
Drone footage reveals the extent of storm damage across the Fox Valley. Video Credit: Footage courtesy of WLUK.
APPLETON, Wis. - The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF-3 tornado touched down in the Fox Valley during the severe storms on Monday, July 27.
EF-3 tornado
By the numbers:
According to the NWS damage survey team, a tornado touched down right around 11:56 a.m. just north of Wisconsin Avenue in Appleton on Monday, July 27. The tornado rapidly intensified – with max winds of 140 mph – as it tracked south into Winnebago County.
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The EF-3 tornado was on the ground for 26 minutes, the NWS said. It covered 12.1 miles and moved south at 28 mph. It touched down in Appleton, went through Menasha and out over Lake Winnebago before it lifted.
The Wisconsin State Climatology Office said it's the state's fourth EF-3 this year – the most tornadoes rated EF-3 or higher to occur in the state since 1984. Historically, fewer than 5% of the state's tornadoes have ranked above EF-2.
Wisconsin tornado damage; Fox Valley residents begin cleanup
Cleanup efforts are underway in the Fox Valley following severe weather on Monday, July 27.
Local perspective:
The NWS said the worst damage occurred in the Fox Crossing and Menasha areas, where several businesses were heavily damaged near Highway 10.
Heavy damage in Menasha included downed trees and power lines that delayed emergency responders from surveying the area and helping those in need. Thousands of Fox Valley customers remained without power Monday and Tuesday.
News conference on cleanup efforts
Winnebago County officials provide update on tornado cleanup efforts
Winnebago County, WI officials provide an update on tornado cleanup efforts throughout the county and especially in the City of Menasha.
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The Source: FOX6 News was in the Menasha area to survey damage. Details about the tornado are from the National Weather Service and FOX6 Weather Experts.