Dashcam Shows Tornado Trapping Driver: 'I Thought I Was a Goner'

Appleton, Wis. – March 18, 2025 – A dashcam video released Wednesday shows the terrifying moment an EF-3 tornado pinned a driver between downed power lines — a close call she says she’ll never forget.

Autumn Willette, 34, had just left her office for a lunch break Monday near Appleton when the sky turned black. “It felt like the storm came out of nowhere,” she said. Her dashcam footage, which she shared exclusively with WLUK, reveals the chaotic 30-second sequence: trees snapping, poles cracking, and live wires sparking inches from her car.

“I genuinely thought I was a goner,” Willette told reporters. “The poles came down on both sides, and I was stuck in the middle.”

Within seconds, she dialed 911. “I’m not hurt, but the lines are all around me, and the wind is still really bad,” she said in the call. The audio, also captured by the dashcam, shows her remarkably calm delivery. “I’m shocked at how steady my voice sounded. I guess adrenaline just took over,” she said.

Willette remained inside her vehicle for 45 minutes before a crew from WE Energies arrived to safely extract her. Her car suffered only a missing side mirror and minor scratches. “I drove it home that night — it’s fine,” she said.

Authorities confirm EF-3 strength
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed Tuesday that the tornado that carved a 12-mile path through Appleton, Menasha, and Neenah was rated EF-3, with winds up to 140 mph. In a statement, NWS meteorologist Sarah Thompson noted: “This was a fast-moving, high-end tornado that caused significant structural damage but very few injuries due to advance warnings and people taking shelter.”

As of Wednesday morning, no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported. However, dozens of homes were destroyed, and more than 2,000 customers were still without power, according to WE Energies. The utility company deployed over 300 crews to restore service, with an estimated completion by Thursday.

Dashcam advocacy and insurance insights
Willette, who works in the insurance industry, sees the video as a powerful tool for her own clients. “I’m going to tell everyone: buy a dashcam. It’s not just for fender benders — it can document life-or-death moments,” she said. Her footage has already been used by local meteorologists to analyze the storm’s progression.

Insurance adjusters say such recordings can speed up claims, especially in disaster scenarios where physical evidence is destroyed. “When you have raw video of the event, it eliminates any dispute,” said Mark Reynolds, a senior claims specialist at State Farm.

Broader impact and recovery
The tornado swept through residential areas, flipping RVs and leveling a gas station. In Menasha, a church lost its steeple. Neighbors have been sharing food and supplies. “People are coming together. It’s heartbreaking but also heartwarming,” said Menasha Mayor Judy Olson.

Willette, meanwhile, is still processing what happened. She plans to keep the dashcam footage as a permanent reminder. “I’m just glad I’m here to tell the story,” she said.

Editor’s note: This article was updated on March 18, 2025, with NWS confirmation and WE Energies restoration details.