Gov. Evers declares State of Emergency in response to dangerous winter storm, cold

Site staff by Site Contributor

Gov. Tony Evers has declared a state of emergency for all of Wisconsin in response to the ongoing winter storm and the dangerous wind chills forecasted for the rest of the week.

“I’m concerned about the safety and well-being of our residents as this major storm and bitter cold moves in,” Evers said in a news release Monday. “I want to make sure all state assets are available, including the Wisconsin National Guard if needed, to help communities across the state and keep people warm and safe.”

Due to severe winter weather, I have declared a State of Emergency throughout the State of Wisconsin. I want to make sure all state assets are available, including the Wisconsin National Guard if needed, to help communities across the state and keep people warm and safe. pic.twitter.com/U9fy4FPygh

— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) January 28, 2019

Winter storm warnings have been issued for much of Wisconsin. Heavy snow is expected to move across the state, which combined with strong winds, will cause hazardous road conditions, Evers wrote.

Temperatures will fall below zero Monday night and will not rise back above until Friday. The life-threatening cold air will cover the state setting possible record overnight lows of minus 15 to minus 25 with wind chills from minus 35 to minus 50.

Here’s a look at the next 10 days. Find out more here: https://t.co/USLd7X6S8q pic.twitter.com/ByBUrhlXSU

— First Alert Weather (@news3weather) January 28, 2019

The executive order directs all state agencies to assist if there are any emergency response and recovery efforts associated with the snowstorm and cold. The order also gives Wisconsin’s Adjutant General Don Dunbar the authority to call active duty members of the Wisconsin National Guard to support local emergency responders if needed, which could include security, response and recovery missions.

State offices remain open to the public and to all state employees. State agencies will follow their inclement weather policies.

We’ve passed at least 3 vehicles that have slid off the road on I-90/94 near the Dells. There’s still a lot of snow on the road. Fortunately, there aren’t a lot of drivers out right now. #news3 pic.twitter.com/MiOVTMaaNS

— Amanda Quintana (@AmandaQTV) January 28, 2019

There’s cold, and then there’s COLD! Extreme and dangerous COLD! is forecast this week from the Northern Plains through the Great Lakes with lows in the -30s and -40s and wind chills as low as the -60s Wed-Thu! If you can’t stay cozy inside, be sure to cover any exposed skin! pic.twitter.com/dJNpT0qGHs

— NWS (@NWS) January 28, 2019

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