WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI — A radar-confirmed tornado blew through Winnebago County midday Monday, according to the National Weather Service, causing widespread destruction in Menasha.
Gordon Hintz, Winnebago County's top elected official, said he wasn't aware of any fatalities or injuries, but emergency officials were still searching.
Heather Schroeder said she heard cracking and popping all around her as the twister destroyed a laundromat, a bakery and a neighborhood tavern that were clustered around a street corner in Menasha, about 30 miles south of Green Bay.
Rescue workers pulled someone out of one of the buildings, said Schroeder, who works nearby. She said it wasn't clear if the person had survived. Cars were turned upside-down, and there was a gas leak at the laundromat, she said.
"There's nothing left," Schroeder said.
Video from Menasha shared on X by user @Real_Wookie showed major damage, with tops ripped off trees, a vehicle on its side and debris strewn all over. Meteorologist Max Velocity shared an aerial video by storm chaser CJ Ziegler that showed most of the roof ripped off a large structure in Menasha.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said the state "is ready to assist communities however we can."
As of about 5 p.m., Menasha police announced that no vehicle traffic was being allowed into the city and residents should shelter in place and limit water use until further notice.
Crews were prioritizing clearing Highway 114, Highway 47 and Racine Street for emergency and essential traffic.
"We are aware of severe damage in broad areas," Menasha police said in a Facebook post at 1 p.m.
The entire city of Menasha was without power shortly after noon, with widespread outages continuing as of 3 p.m., according to Menasha Utilities.
Police, fire, public works and other public safety officials were assessing damage, addressing hazards and responding to service calls Monday, according to police, although traffic congestion, downed trees, power lines, debris and blocked roads were preventing responders and crews from reaching affected areas.
Transportation to emergency shelter was available from the former Shopko parking lot, 1150 Midway Road, to Christ the Rock Community Church and Neenah Calvary Bible Church charging shelter until 9 p.m.
Shortly after noon, the weather service warned that the tornado was in the northeastern part of the county, moving southeast at 40 mph, and urged people in a social media post to "Take cover now!"
"This is a life threatening situation," according to the service's tornado warning, which has since expired.
Winnebago County Emergency Management shortly before 1 p.m. issued an emergency alert, instructing Menasha residents to shelter in place and call 911 for emergencies only.
"The dispatch center is working through all current and incoming calls," the agency said in a social media post. "First responders are helping residents impacted by the tornado."
The tornado came as thunderstorms were expected to progress southeast from Lake Superior into Upper Michigan on Monday morning, creating a chance of strong winds, hail and torrential downpours, according to the weather service.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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