Thunderstorm Wind in Outagamie County, Wisconsin

Thunderstorm winds, with gusts estimated to 80 mph, downed thousands of trees and knocked out power to 20,000 customers in Appleton alone. Around 200 homes sustained at least minor damage, including one that was destroyed. More than 60 businesses also sustained damage. A semi-trailer was blown over near US-41 and US-10.

The combination of a cold front, unstable air and an upper level disturbance produced severe thunderstorms that caused extensive damage across the Fox Valley. A small cluster of intense thunderstorms produced wind gusts in excess of 70 mph, causing widespread damage across central and east central Wisconsin. Thousands of trees and power lines were blown down by the thunderstorm cluster. Numerous buildings were damaged by fallen trees and high winds. Power was knocked out to 60,000 people at the height of the storm.

Some of the highest measured thunderstorm wind gusts included 81 mph at Sherwood (Calumet Co.), 78 mph at Wrightstown (Brown Co.), 74 mph at Oshkosh (Winnebago Co.), 72 mph at Appleton (Outagamie Co.), and 65 mph at Point Beach State Forest (Manitowoc Co.).

One of the hardest hit areas during the storm was Appleton (Outagamie Co.). Widespread 70 to 75 mph wind gusts were experienced in the city, with isolated winds estimated at around 95 mph.