WISCONSIN (WFRV) – Gov. Tony Evers signed an executive order Tuesday declaring a state of emergency across Wisconsin due to severe winter weather impacting large portions of the state, particularly in northern Wisconsin.
“As Northern Wisconsin still works to recover from severe weather over the weekend, with more storms on the way tonight, this declaration will help support local efforts to restore power where there are outages, support local efforts to clear debris, set up warming shelters, and respond to local emerging needs, and keep folks, families, and communities safe,” Evers said.
Severe weather, including high winds, heavy ice, and snow, began Saturday and continued through Tuesday, causing widespread damage. The storm led to power outages, structural damage, fallen trees, and loss of heat or water for many residents.
State officials, including the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Emergency Management, remain in active communication with local leaders and utility companies as restoration efforts continue. Crews are working around the clock to clear debris, provide shelter, and bring power back to affected communities.
More than 130,000 customers have already had power restored, but additional outages remain. While Wisconsin Emergency Management has not received a formal request from local communities for an emergency declaration, Evers said the ongoing power restoration efforts and the threat of more severe weather in northern Wisconsin necessitated statewide action.
The declaration will allow state agencies, local partners, and emergency management teams to respond more efficiently to current and future damage. More heavy snow and severe weather are expected in the coming days, which could further impact affected areas and require additional resources, including backup power, emergency communication, and shelter services.
