By The Epoch Times | Created at 2026-07-29 04:42:06 | Updated at 2026-07-29 08:42:36
4 hours ago
In this photo provided by Douglas Tom Williams, a telephone pole hangs above a road littered with debris from a severe storm in Menasha, Wis., on July 27, 2026. Douglas Tom Williams via AP
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency on July 28 after severe storms swept through eastern Wisconsin, spawning a tornado in the Menasha and Appleton areas.
Preliminary surveys of the damage indicated the tornado reached EF3 intensity—with estimated wind speeds exceeding 136 mph—causing widespread damage, power outages, and disruptions to public water systems, according to the governor’s office.
The EF rating refers to the Enhanced Fujita scale, which classifies tornado intensity based on damage seen in post-storm surveys.
Evers said the emergency declaration would allow state officials to deploy all available resources to respond to the situation.
“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,” the governor said in a statement.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said clusters of thunderstorms swept southeast across northern and eastern Wisconsin on July 27, with wind damage reported in parts of Vilas, Oneida, and Forest counties.
This story will be updated with additional details.
