Woman survives after Wisconsin tornado sends her truck flipping through the air

NBC News
Original Story by NBC News
July 28, 2026
Woman survives after Wisconsin tornado sends her truck flipping through the air

In Menasha, Wisconsin, an EF3 tornado unleashed a destructive corridor across the area as part of a five-tornado outbreak from Wisconsin to Kentucky. Minutes after starting a drive from Menasha to Neenah, Jean Woelfel saw her truck flip through the air; her survival underscores the sudden, violent nature of the event. The outbreak left hundreds of thousands without power and damaged homes and infrastructure, prompting emergency response and cleanup in the affected communities. The incident illustrates broader storm activity and its immediate disruption to residents, with authorities cautioning for continued risk and recovery efforts ahead. The timeline centers on a rapid onset of severe weather on a Monday, shaping ongoing relief and safety measures.

Dive Deeper:

  • Jean Woelfel began a trip from Menasha toward Neenah when the tornado struck, causing her truck to flip midair.

  • The tornado outbreak consisted of five tornadoes across a swath from Wisconsin to Kentucky, including an EF3 event in the Menasha area.

  • About 250,000 power customers were without electricity as a result of the storms, reflecting widespread outages tied to the outbreak.

  • Rescuers and crews were deployed to assess damage and assist residents in Menasha and neighboring communities amid the destruction.

  • The reporting team for NBC News covered the incident, with news updates dated July 28, 2026, highlighting the rapid development and its impacts on daily life.

  • Photographs and现场 descriptions depicted damaged homes and the immediate aftermath in Menasha, illustrating the storm’s reach beyond a single neighborhood.

  • Officials warned that additional severe weather could follow, shaping ongoing recovery and safety planning for affected residents.

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