EDITOR'S NOTE: The newest information will be added at the top of this article.
A tornado tore through parts of the Fox Valley in east-central Wisconsin on Monday, leaving widespread destruction. TMJ4 has created a resource guide with the latest information from the Winnebago County Emergency Management specialist.
Wednesday, July 29
Winnebago County officials held a press conference Wednesday to share an update on recovery efforts after Monday’s devastating tornado. Here are some of the key takeaways.
Volunteer reception center established
A volunteer reception center has been established at the Winnebago County Fox Cities campus on Midway Road that’s being run by Volunteer Fox Cities.
Anyone wishing to volunteer is asked to report to the Fox Cities campus for volunteer intake and deployment. The volunteer reception center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Donation drop-offs
- Individual donations and small vehicles should enter via the campus main entrance, as shown on the map.
- Large trucks and any bulk donations should be delivered via University Avenue.
- Do not bring water or clothing.
Requested donations
- Nonperishable food
- Gatorade
- Protein drinks
- Disposable plates
- Utensils
- Cups
- Garbage bags
- Trash grabbers
- Personal protective equipment such as work gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety vests.
- Hygiene products
- Skin-sensitive items
- Coolers and ice.
Community clothes closet
A community clothes closet has been established off Midway Road. It can accept clothing Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Financial donations
Financial contributions to the communitywide recovery effort can be made through United Way Fox Cities. Visit its webpage and use the pop-up link to donate.
Fox Valley Tornado Relief Fund established
A Community Impact Campaign has launched to help provide support for Fox Valley residents recovering from the tornado that ripped through the area on Monday, July 27.
TMJ4’s sister station, NBC 26, in collaboration with the Scripps Howard Fund, has established the Fox Valley Tornado Relief Fund to help individuals and families impacted by the storm across the Fox Valley area.
Read the full article here.
Supply pickup locations
Three supply pickup locations have been identified for residents affected by the tornado. Supplies are available at the Winnebago County Fox Cities campus, Heckrodt Wetland Preserve and the Elks Lodge.
Feeding America to distribute disaster boxes
Feeding America will distribute disaster boxes with sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetables at Hart, Smith and Jefferson parks in Menasha on Wednesday until supplies run out.
Cooling sites
With temperatures and humidity increasing, cooling sites will be available at:
- Winnebago County Fox Cities campus, 1478 Midway Road
- Christ the Rock Community Church, W6254 U.S. Highway 10/114
- Elisha D. Smith Memorial Library, 440 First St. in Menasha
- The Elks Lodge, 328 Nicolai Blvd., from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- The YMCA in downtown Neenah, 110 N. Water St., from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- The Neenah Library, 240 E. Wisconsin Ave., for food, cooling and charging
- Calvary Bible Church, 1450 Oakridge Road in Neenah, for recharging devices
Boiling water status update
- A boil water order remains in effect and includes the following areas:
- The village of Fox Crossing east of the Fox River, and residents in Menasha, Appleton and the village of Harrison who are served by Fox Crossing Utilities.
- Residents who have water and power should bring water to a rolling boil for one minute before using it for cooking, drinking or ingesting. Tap water is fine for bathing, handwashing and laundry.
Update on power restoration
- Progress is being made to restore power to more homes and businesses across the community, but many people remain without power.
- Utility crews must repair damage in a specific order to safely restore electricity to the greatest number of customers as quickly as possible.
More resources
- Residents should call 211 for resources and to report any assistance needed. The 211 service is coordinating with Winnebago County Emergency Management to get information to the appropriate organizations.
- Mental health support is available through the Winnebago County crisis line at 920-233-7707. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for residents needing mental health support.
Drone operation restrictions
There is a temporary flight restriction in place that restricts nonessential personnel from flying drones while emergency crews assist with recovery operations.
Damage assessment
There is no concrete number on damages. Crews are still working on clearing roads and making everything passable. More information is expected to become available in the coming days.
No fatalities or serious injuries reported
There have still not been any reports of serious injuries, fatalities or missing persons.
Schools remain closed
On Tuesday, The Menasha school district superintendent said there is no clear timeline for reopening school facilities. District teams are still assessing facilities for structural damage and other safety concerns. Gegan Elementary School and Calder Stadium sustained significant damage.
The district will contact families to learn more about their immediate needs and any support they may require before the start of the school year. Updates will be communicated regularly on the district's social media pages.
What’s next
There will be another update at 4 p.m.
PREVIOUS UPDATES:
Gov. Tony Evers declares state of emergency
Gov. Tony Evers announced Tuesday that he signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency following the storms that tore through parts of eastern Wisconsin on Monday.
According to the release, the State Emergency Operations Center was elevated to a Level 3 on Monday, and Evers' declaration of a state of emergency will help ensure state agencies, local partners, utilities, and emergency management officials can continue working together and respond quickly to damage and effects caused by the severe weather.
Menasha officials hold news conference, provide key updates
Officials in Menasha held a news conference Tuesday to provide an update on recovery efforts following the tornado.
To read some of the key takeaways, click here.
In the meantime, Wisconsin Emergency Management, a division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, has been working with counties to assess damage and determine resources needed to speed recovery efforts.
Read the full article here.
Boil Water Order in effect for portions of Menasha, Fox Crossing
A boil water order is in effect for portions of Menasha and Fox Crossing, according to the Menasha Police Department. The order was issued because low water pressure may have allowed contamination into the water system.
Bring tap water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute before using it for:
- Drinking
- Cooking
- Brushing teeth
- Making ice
- Preparing infant formula
- Washing food
Use bottled water when available. Continue following the boil water order until officials announce that the water is safe.
Free bottled water distribution
Free bottled water will be distributed at the Menasha Piggly Wiggly beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, while supplies last.
Emergency shelter for storm victims open in Menasha
An emergency shelter opened Monday afternoon in Menasha for people seeking safety after tornadoes and severe thunderstorms caused damage in the area.
The shelter is located at Christ the Rock Community Center, W6254 U.S. 10 #114, Menasha, Wisconsin, in Calumet County.
The senior center and library in Menasha had been designated as shelter locations, but officials said both buildings lost power and are no longer accepting residents seeking shelter.
Winnebago County Emergency Management officials note that shelters offer minimal necessities and are often noisy, crowded and uncomfortable. Restroom facilities are not private, and food is basic.
Read the full article here.
Discounted hotels available for people displaced by tornado, storms in the Fox Cities
For residents displaced by the tornado and storms that tore through cities including Appleton and Menasha, the following list includes discounted hotel options.
The list is provided by the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau.
See the full list here.
Menasha closes city to incoming traffic after severe tornado damage
No vehicle traffic is being allowed into Menasha as of Monday evening because of damage sustained during Monday’s tornado, police said.
According to the Menasha Police Department, officers are not allowing vehicle traffic into the city and are asking the public not to attempt to drive into city limits.
Read the full article here.
Neenah declares state of emergency after severe storm damage
The city of Neenah has declared a local state of emergency after severe storms caused widespread damage Monday.
The declaration took effect at 5:30 p.m. and applies across the city.
Officials said the storm damaged buildings, brought down trees and power lines, disrupted utility service and affected roadways.
Acting Mayor Dan Steiner said the declaration will allow the city to coordinate its response, bring in emergency resources, and document damage and costs that could qualify for state or federal assistance.
The declaration also gives city leaders authority to make emergency purchases, authorize overtime, deploy personnel and coordinate mutual aid.
Read the full article here.
Menasha Joint School District closes all buildings, suspends activities after tornado hits Fox Valley
The Menasha Joint School District closed all of its buildings and suspended all school-sponsored events and activities until further notice after a tornado struck Menasha on Monday, causing major damage in the Fox Valley community near Appleton.
Read the full article here.
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