Tornado clean-up continues; power begins to come back and other live updates

Chainsaws will roar, water bottles and food will be handed out and crews will continue to put life back together July 29 as the third day of tornado clean-up begins in the Fox Cities.

An estimated EF-3 tornado devastated the southwestern Fox Cities July 27, tearing through homes and businesses, downing power lines and closing major roadways. It prompted state of emergency and state of disaster declarations, knocked out power for thousands of residents, and caused municipalities to issue boil water orders, curfews and even a temporary flight restriction.

It also prompted an outpouring of support from volunteers. As organized cleanup efforts began on July 28, Volunteer Fox Cities CEO Carolyn Desrosiers told The Post-Crescent that "hundreds to thousands" of people have offered to help. The community response to the call for volunteers has been "amazing," Desrosiers said.

As the community continues to dig out, here's what we know about recovery efforts in Menasha, Neenah, Fox Crossing, Appleton and Grand Chute.

10:06 AM ET, July 29 2026, Mara Wegner

Riverside Players' remaining shows of "The SpongeBob Musical" have been canceled following the severe weather on July 27.

The canceled shows were scheduled for July 29, 30, 31 and Aug. 1.

Ticket holders who wish to donate those fees to Riverside Players don't need to take any action. For those wanting a full refund, more information will be released the week of Aug. 3.

The Neenah Parks and Recreation office may be contacted at [email protected] or 920-886-6060.

10:06 AM ET, July 29 2026, Taima Kern

As the third day of tornado cleanup dawns, the number of residents without power in the Fox Cities continues to shrink.

According to We Energies' outage map, as of 8:21 a.m., 2,589 Outagamie County and 2,982 Winnebago County customers remain without power. For updates, customers can visit we-energies.com/outagesummary/view/outagegrid, download the company's app or call 800-662-4797.

Additionally, as of 7:45 a.m., Menasha Utilities announced power has been restored to some sections of the city, and said its crews will be connecting individual services to homes next. The utility is still rebuilding lines and replacing poles in the hardest-hit areas, and asked residents to steer clear of workers.

10:06 AM ET, July 29 2026, Taima Kern

In City of Menasha and Winnebago County Emergency Management's joint 5 p.m. July 28 briefing, community leaders announced no deaths or serious injuries have been reported in connection with the July 27 tornado and accompanying storms.

There have been approximately 68 injuries reported, with ThedaCare in Neenah treating about 40 people, and St. Elizabeth's in Appleton treating about 28.

First responders have reportedly completed for a primary and secondary door-to-door search. The primary search, which was completed before midnight on July 27, sought life-threatening situations. The second, completed in the afternoon July 28, looked for "lingering dangers."

The briefing said July 29's goal is to remove debris from roadways.

For those looking to volunteer or donate, the Volunteer Reception Center, at the former UWO-Fox Cities campus opened at 8 a.m. July 29. Needed items include Lysol wipes, diapers, cleaning supplies and hearing and eye protection.

Additionally, the FAA has issued a temporary flight restriction within a two-mile radius of the Menasha Police Department until 6:45 p.m. July 29. Drones are not allowed to fly in this zone, as law enforcement will be conducting drone operations of their own as part of recovery efforts.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Tornado clean-up continues; power begins to come back and other live updates