WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) — Gov. Tony Evers has activated the Wisconsin National Guard to support recovery efforts in Winnebago County after severe storms produced an EF-3 tornado Monday.

Evers toured storm damage in Menasha, where he met with local officials, residents, first responders and volunteers working to restore essential services, reunite families and begin rebuilding.

The storms caused extensive damage across the Menasha and Appleton areas, along with high winds, hail, widespread power outages and disruptions to public water systems.

Evers previously signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency, allowing state agencies to coordinate more closely with local governments, utility providers and emergency management officials.

"We are continuing to assess the devastation Wisconsin is seeing, especially in Winnebago County," Evers said. "Families, businesses, and entire neighborhoods are hurting, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help them recover."

Evers said activating the National Guard will provide additional resources for cleanup, public safety and the restoration of essential services.

"Neighbors are helping neighbors, volunteers are stepping up, and emergency personnel are working nonstop to clear roads, restore utilities, and make sure people have what they need," Evers said. "I am grateful to our citizen soldiers in the Wisconsin National Guard who will help our neighbors in need, and together, we'll recover and recover stronger."

National Guard members will assist local authorities with debris removal, traffic and safety support, wellness checks and other services requested by county officials.

Local governments have also declared states of emergency and mobilized public works crews, law enforcement agencies and volunteer organizations.

Utility crews continue working to restore power as shelters assist residents displaced by the storms. As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, nearly 2,500 customers remained without power in Winnebago and Outagamie counties, according to the We Energies outage map.

State and local officials are asking residents to avoid downed power lines, follow road closures and give emergency crews room to work safely.

The Evers administration said it will continue monitoring conditions and coordinating with state and local partners as recovery efforts continue.