Officials in three Fox Valley communities issued emergency declarations Monday after a tornado tore through the area, leaving downed trees, power lines and debris in its path.
The storm struck about 12:20 p.m. with winds measured at 124 mph west of Appleton. Authorities reported no fatalities and only a small number of injuries.
Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond proclaimed a local state of disaster. Grand Chute issued a similar declaration the same day. In Neenah, Council President Dan Steiner, serving as acting mayor, declared a local emergency starting at 5:30 p.m.
Winnebago County activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the response. Menasha and the Village of Fox Crossing imposed a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. until further notice. Nonessential traffic into Menasha was blocked as crews worked to clear roads.
A boil-water advisory took effect for portions of Fox Crossing east of the Fox River and some Menasha customers served by that system. Overnight shelter was made available at Christ the Rock Community Church in Menasha, with limited hours at the Elks Lodge in Menasha and Calvary Bible Church in Neenah.
