"Extremely dangerous" tornado hits eastern Wisconsin, damage reported in Appleton, Menasha, Lake Winnebago

An "extremely dangerous" tornado hit parts of eastern Wisconsin on Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, leaving significant damage and knocking out power for thousands of people.

The agency said the confirmed tornado was spotted near Appleton, Menasha and Lake Winnebago, about 30 miles southwest of Green Bay, around 12:15 p.m.

"Other locations impacted by the tornado include Neenah, Sherwood, Harrison, Stockbridge, Quinney, Kloten, Brant, Brothertown, Jericho and Charlesburg," the agency said.

Video showed chunks of twisted metal and pieces of wood scattered across one highway as cars maneuvered around the debris. A warehouse appeared to be heavily damaged.

Greg Van Driest was working in downtown Appleton when the sky got as dark as night.

"The word we all were using was 'ominous,'" he said. "It's like, 'Whoa, look at that.' ... You looked outside and you thought it was three in the morning, it was that dark."

Gordon Hintz, the top elected official in Winnebago County, said he wasn't aware of any fatalities or injuries, but emergency officials were still searching.

"Obviously, the footage looks devastating," Hintz said. "Clearly some significant damage done with power lines down and things like that."

Hintz said he's heard multiple reports of buildings that were completely destroyed and vehicles overturned on roadways. All storm warnings that could be made ahead of time to get people to safety were activated, he said.

"Obviously when you look at the damage, Mother Nature doesn't really care," he said.

National Weather Service meteorologist Holley Kamba said the agency was receiving reports of a variety of damage in southern Outagamie County and eastern Winnebago County.

"We have been receiving calls of damage with a lot of trees down, power lines down," Kamba said. "We've been searching for some pictures of the structural damage."

So far, there have been no reports of injuries, she said.

The Appleton Police Department posted a photo of downed trees and power lines on Facebook on Monday afternoon.

"The City of Appleton and neighboring municipalities are currently responding to many storm related calls. We will be updating the public as information becomes available," officials said in the post on Facebook.

Images posted to social media showed extensive damage in Appleton, including homes stripped of roofs and siding, cars flipped over and streets littered with tree limbs. The Appleton Police Department said it is responding to many storm-related calls.

Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson said he did not yet have any confirmation of fatalities or injuries in the county, which includes Appleton. But he said there was "extensive and severe damage" in Menasha and Fox Crossing with reports of collapsed buildings.

"All indications are that this was a devastating system that has caused extensive damage," Nelson said.

Nelson said it was not safe to travel in the area with reports of damage, power lines down and road closures.

"Stay put if possible," he said. "Check on loved ones and neighbors."

In Menasha, the electric utility said the entire city of about 18,000 people is believed to be without power because of a downed transmission line. Authorities were opening a shelter at a church there for people seeking temporary safety or who can't remain in their homes.

"We are aware of severe damage in broad areas," the Menasha Police Department said in a Facebook post. "We are asking the public to stay indoors, watch out for downed power lines, do not drive around road closures, and do not drive around the area unless absolutely necessary."

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers posted on X that he has been briefed on the storms that have been moving through the state.

"The state is ready to assist communities however we can. I also want to thank the emergency responders who are hitting the ground to help," Evers wrote. "As storms continue, stay alert and stay safe, Wisconsin."

Storms are expected to bring strong winds along with hail and the possibility of an isolated, brief tornado, the National Weather Service said.