See it: Powerful tornado leaves trail of destruction across Wisconsin communities
The National Weather Service issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) warning for the region, indicating an imminent threat to life and property.
Watch: Large, dangerous tornado rips through Wisconsin area as severe storms ramp up
Watch as a large and dangerous confirmed tornado rips through the Appleton, Wisconsin, area with reports of large hail. Stick with FOX Weather for the latest updates as severe storms move through the region:
APPLETON, Wisconsin - A confirmed destructive tornado ripped through the Appleton, Wisconsin, region on Monday, bringing torrential rain, destructive wind gusts and large hail to several communities.
Officials said they are still assessing the extent of the damage while responding to calls for assistance from affected community members.
The storm began around 12:15 p.m. CDT, moving over Appleton and Menasha.
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Image 1 of 5The destructive tornado stripped structures of their exteriors. (CODY BUECHEL/FACEBOOK.COM)
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Image 2 of 5Officials reported several downed power lines, trees and tree limbs across the area. (CODY BUECHEL/FACEBOOK.COM)
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Image 3 of 5A destructive tornado damaged buildings as it tore through the region. (CODY BUECHEL/FACEBOOK.COM)
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Image 4 of 5The storm destroyed numerous cars in the area. (CODY BUECHEL/FACEBOOK.COM)
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Image 5 of 5A confirmed destructive tornado ripped through Appleton, Wisconsin. (CODY BUECHEL/FACEBOOK.COM)
As it tracked across the region, the National Weather Service issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) warning for the region, indicating an imminent threat to life and property.
The Appleton Police Department said on social media that many roads throughout the city are impassable and numerous traffic signals are out, causing significant traffic delays.
Destructive tornado rips through Wisconsin
The city of Menasha, Wisconsin, sustained extensive damage after a tornado moved through the area. Officials reported damaged structures, downed trees and debris scattered across the community.
Officials also reported several downed power lines, trees and tree limbs across the area.
Photos obtained by FOX Weather show damage to vehicles and structures, including missing sections of roofs and debris scattered throughout the area.
Trees fall on city bus during confirmed tornado in Appleton, Wisconsin, on July 27, 2026.
(Appleton Police Department / FOX Weather)
The Appleton Police Department is urging residents to avoid the affected areas and use alternate routes. They will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Currently, over 81,000 customers are without power in Wisconsin, according to PowerOutage.us as severe weather moves across the state.
Governor Tony Evers posted on social media that he has been briefed and is currently monitoring the situation.
According to FOX Forecast Center, severe weather is expected to continue across the Midwest through the evening hours.
The storms will eventually move into the Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas, impacting that region throughout Tuesday.
Stay with FOX Weather for the latest updates.