APPLETON, Wis. — A powerful tornado swept through eastern Wisconsin Monday afternoon, leaving significant damage across the Fox Cities region as emergency crews continue assessing the storm’s impact and beginning recovery efforts.
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado moved through portions of the Appleton area, producing destructive winds that damaged homes, businesses, public buildings, and critical infrastructure. Communities including Appleton, Menasha, and Fox Crossing experienced extensive storm damage, with numerous road closures, downed trees, damaged buildings, and widespread power outages reported.
Among the locations impacted was Fox Crossing Fire Station 41, where reports from the scene indicate the fire station sustained a direct hit during the tornado. Despite the damage, first responders remained active throughout the emergency, responding to storm-related incidents across the region.
The storm also impacted Pierce Manufacturing, one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of custom fire apparatus. The Appleton-based company has now released an official statement confirming its facilities were affected by the severe weather.
According to Pierce Manufacturing, one of its manufacturing facilities temporarily lost power due to the storm, prompting production team members to be redirected to other Pierce facilities until electricity is restored.
The company also confirmed its aftermarket parts warehouse sustained roof damage. However, Pierce stated it does not expect any impact to parts availability, and shipments are expected to resume Tuesday.
Pierce Manufacturing also announced it expects to return to full production operations on Tuesday, July 28, following restoration efforts.
In its statement, the company thanked local emergency responders, utility crews, and the Oshkosh Corporation emergency response team for their quick response and support as crews work to safely return operations to normal.
Throughout the Fox Cities region, emergency officials continue conducting damage assessments while utility crews work to restore power and clear storm debris. Authorities are asking residents to stay away from damaged areas and avoid downed power lines as recovery operations continue.
This remains a developing story, and First Source News will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available regarding the tornado’s impact and recovery efforts throughout eastern Wisconsin.
Photo Credit: Photos courtesy of the Appleton Police Department via its official Facebook page.
