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Extensive damage from a tornado was sustained in Appleton and surrounding communities over the noon hour Monday.
Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford said after the storm that “Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel if at all possible. There are many roads, not only in Appleton but in neighboring communities that are currently closed or impassable as a result of storm damage.”
He continued that “Injuries have been reported but the number and severity of those is unknown. There are numerous power outages and residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and treat all downed lines as energized.”
Damage stretched from Appleton through Menasha and Neenah as the tornado moved south, eventually becoming a water spout over Lake Winnebago.
In Appleton, officials say that much of Prospect Avenue west of Xavier High School was rendered impassable. Power outages there were widespread after the event, but as of this morning much of that power has been restored and the traffic signals are functioning again.
Crews continue removing storm debris and are asking people to please stay away from affected areas unless travel is absolutely necessary. Never approach downed power lines and always assume utility lines are energized. Do not drive around barricades or enter areas closed by emergency personnel. Limit non-emergency travel so first responders and utility crews can quickly and safely access impacted areas, and call 911 only for emergencies.
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