Press Releases

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) is leading every member of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation in urging President Donald Trump to approve Wisconsin’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the severe storms and tornadoes that struck the state on July 27, 2026. 

The storms caused extensive damage across Forest, Outagamie, Vilas, and Winnebago Counties. A powerful EF3 tornado tore through Wisconsin’s Fox Valley region, leaving a broad path of devastation across Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, and Fox Crossing. Preliminary findings from the National Weather Service indicate that the tornado remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, traveled approximately 12 miles, and reached nearly one mile in width, with estimated winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour. The tornado left thousands of homes and businesses destroyed or severely damaged and caused widespread damage to infrastructure. 

Damage assessments conducted by FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management found 2,346 residential structures impacted, including 84 destroyed and 412 with major damage, with estimated losses exceeding $8.2 million. Public-sector damage exceeded $13.8 million, surpassing Wisconsin’s per-capita threshold by more than $2.4 million. 

The bipartisan delegation is urging President Trump to make Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation assistance available to affected Wisconsinites. 

“Wisconsin families are still dealing with the devastating impact of these storms, and they deserve every bit of help we can provide,” said Congressman Grothman. “I am proud that every member of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation, Republicans and Democrats, have come together to support this request. The damage assessments make clear that these communities need federal assistance to recover, rebuild, and move forward. I urge President Trump to approve Wisconsin’s request and get this critical assistance to those who need it.” 

“At the end of July, Wisconsin was struck with devastating storms and tornadoes that critically damaged homes, businesses, and communities. But if there is one thing I am certain of, it’s that Wisconsinites are strong, and we will come out on the other side stronger. I urge this administration to swiftly respond to this request and give Wisconsinites the assistance they need to recover,” said Congressman Tom Tiffany. 

“From the moment communities in Northeast Wisconsin were hit by last month’s tornado, I have been committed to doing everything possible to ensure they have the resources they need to make a full and swift recovery. Following last month’s Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment, it is clear that federal assistance is necessary to make that happen. I join my colleagues in the delegation in urging the President to approve this request and deliver the support Northeast Wisconsin families need to rebuild and recover," said Congressman Tony Wied. 

"The July storms and tornadoes that hit Wisconsin caused immense hardship to our businesses and families, many of whom remain displaced. Given the severity of this damage, it's imperative that FEMA quickly approve a Major Disaster Declaration to ensure they get the assistance they need to rebuild and recover as quickly as possible,” said Congressman Pocan. 

Read the letter here.