The National Weather Service said preliminary storm surveys indicate the Appleton and Menasha areas sustained EF-3 tornado damage on July 27.
The rating means wind gusts were between 136 mph and 165 mph. The tornado traveled 12.1 miles.
The NWS initially estimated the tornado with an EF-2 rating.
There was significant damage in the Fox Cities as the strong storm cell made its way through the area.
Menasha and Fox Crossing were the hardest-hit areas, and the storm affected public infrastructure, homes, businesses and utilities.
Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond declared a local state of disaster due to the widespread damage in the city. Neenah also declared a local state of emergency.
The storm system has caused thousands in the area to be without power as We Energies crews work to restore service.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Menasha, Appleton-area tornado upgraded to EF-3 by NWS
Reporting by Duke Behnke, Appleton Post-Crescent / Appleton Post-Crescent
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Duke Behnke, Appleton Post-Crescent | USA TODAY Network
