Press Release: Gov. Evers Mobilizes Wisconsin National Guard as Winnebago County Begins Recovery from Devastating Tornado

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 07/30/2026 03:17 PM CDT
Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30, 2026
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers Mobilizes Wisconsin National Guard as Winnebago County Begins Recovery from Devastating Tornado
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced that he has activated the Wisconsin National Guard to support Winnebago County’s ongoing recovery response after devastating and destructive storms earlier this week. This announcement also comes as, earlier today, Gov. Evers toured storm damage in Menasha, where he met and spoke with local officials, neighbors, first responders, and volunteers about their tireless efforts to restore safety, reconnect families, and begin the difficult process of rebuilding their communities.

On Monday, Eastern Wisconsin experienced severe storms that resulted in at least one confirmed tornado with preliminary surveys indicating EF3 damage in the Menasha/Appleton area, along with high winds, hail, power outages, and disruptions to public water systems, causing widespread and significant damage. In response, Gov. Evers signed Executive Order #300, declaring a state of emergency to 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. 

“We are continuing to assess the devastation Wisconsin is seeing, especially in Winnebago County,” said Gov. Evers. “Families, businesses, and entire neighborhoods are hurting, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help them recover. By activating the Wisconsin National Guard, we’re ensuring every available resource is deployed quickly and effectively to support cleanup, restore essential services, and keep folks safe as recovery efforts continue.

“Neighbors are helping neighbors, volunteers are stepping up, and emergency personnel are working nonstop to clear roads, restore utilities, and make sure people have what they need. I am grateful to our citizen soldiers in the Wisconsin National Guard who will help our neighbors in need, and together, we’ll recover and recover stronger.”

In addition to the state of emergency declared by Gov. Evers earlier this week, local officials declared states of emergency and mobilized public works, law enforcement, and volunteer organizations. As crews have been working around the clock to clear debris and restore critical utilities, the scale of the destruction has become increasingly evident. Gov. Evers and the Evers Administration will continue to monitor conditions and coordinate with emergency and first responders, local and state partners, and stand ready as needed to continue supporting response efforts across Wisconsin.

National Guard members will aid local authorities with debris removal, traffic and safety support, wellness checks, and other essential services as requested by county officials. Their activation comes as utility crews work to restore power to thousands of residents still facing outages and as community shelters continue assisting those displaced. 

As cleanup and restoration work continues, state and local officials urge residents to avoid downed power lines, respect road closures, and allow emergency crews space to operate safely. Additional updates on recovery operations, shelter availability, and assistance resources will be provided as they become available.
 
An online version of this release is available here.
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