NWS confirms EF-3 tornado as Fox Valley begins storm cleanup Tuesday - WLUK

What the report says

Fox11online.com/WLUK reported that the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-3 tornado hit Menasha after severe storms swept through Wisconsin’s Fox Valley on Monday morning. The station said the tornado damaged parts of Appleton, Neenah and Menasha, with homes and businesses destroyed, trees broken and power lines brought down. According to the report, the NWS estimated the tornado was about 1,500 yards wide, covered 12.1 miles and had winds of about 140 mph.

Cleanup and damage assessments were underway Tuesday, with local authorities and utility crews working in heavily affected neighborhoods. WLUK reported that some streets in Menasha were difficult or impossible to pass because of downed power lines, and residents described extensive destruction. Officials advised people to avoid damaged areas unless necessary, stay clear of power lines, obey barricades and limit nonessential travel so emergency and repair crews could get through.

Menasha had a curfew in place from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. until further notice, with exceptions for people whose work requires travel during those hours, according to the report. Thousands of customers in the region remained without electricity Tuesday. Wisconsin Public Service said crews had restored power to more than 19,000 customers since the storms began, while We Energies had restored service to more than 79,000 customers statewide, though officials warned repairs could take time because of extensive damage to poles and lines.

WLUK reported three shelters were open for storm-affected residents: Christ the Rock Church in Menasha, the Elks Lodge in Menasha and Calvary Bible Church in Neenah. As of Monday evening, Winnebago County officials said no fatalities had been reported. Volunteer and donation coordination was also being organized at the former UW–Oshkosh Fox Cities campus.