A newly released drone video has revealed the devastating aftermath of the powerful tornado that struck Menasha, Wisconsin, on Monday, leaving widespread destruction across parts of the Fox Valley.
The aerial footage shows damaged homes, destroyed businesses, uprooted trees and debris scattered across neighborhoods after severe storms swept through east-central Wisconsin.
Strong Tornado Carved a Path Across the Fox Valley
The tornado moved through portions of Appleton, Neenah and Menasha, causing significant structural damage and disrupting daily life across the region.
Emergency crews spent hours responding to damaged buildings, blocked roads and downed power lines as residents began assessing the destruction left behind by the storm.
Authorities continue working to restore essential services while cleanup operations remain underway.
National Weather Service Conducting Damage Surveys
Meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) are surveying the affected areas to determine the tornado’s final rating.
An NWS survey team member in Menasha told reporters that the observed damage is consistent with a strong EF2 tornado on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.
The preliminary assessment is based on buildings where exterior walls collapsed while interior walls remained standing, a damage pattern commonly associated with high-end EF2 tornadoes.
Officials cautioned that the final rating could change once the full survey is completed.
Damage Assessment Still Ongoing
Survey teams noted that some of the most significant damage may lie farther west of the initially surveyed area, where inspections were still underway.
As engineers and meteorologists continue documenting structural damage, the tornado’s estimated wind speeds and path length will be determined.
The National Weather Service is expected to release its official findings once all affected areas have been examined.
Drone Footage Highlights the Storm’s Power
The newly released drone video provides a dramatic overview of the tornado’s destructive path.
Entire sections of roofs were torn away, trees were snapped or uprooted, vehicles were damaged and numerous properties sustained major structural damage.
The footage highlights the incredible force of the tornado and the extensive cleanup effort that now lies ahead for affected communities.
Recovery Efforts Continue
Local authorities, utility crews and emergency responders remain on the ground assisting residents and clearing debris.
Power restoration efforts continue in several neighborhoods, while damage assessments are being completed to determine the full economic impact of the storm.
Officials are urging residents to avoid damaged structures and remain cautious around downed power lines and unstable buildings as recovery operations progress.
