A rare and powerful tornado struck north-east Wisconsin on Monday, producing widespread damage, according to weather updates reported by multiple outlets. The U.S. National Weather Service classifies the storm as an EF3 tornado. Reports say it lasts about 26 minutes and follows an approximately 12-mile path, affecting areas including western parts of Appleton and Menasha before dissipating over Lake Winnebago.
The same weather events are described alongside a meteotsunami—unusual sea-like waves driven by atmospheric conditions—linked to the broader system affecting the region. Details about the meteotsunami’s timing and impacts are presented as part of the unusual atmospheric activity occurring with the tornado.
The reports also note that EF3 tornadoes are relatively rare in north-east Wisconsin. They add that the 2026 total for EF3-strength tornadoes in the state is already the highest since 1984 and that this is the fourth EF3 tornado to hit Wisconsin in 2026.
