In an Winter Storm update to residents, Jackson County Sheriff Duane Waldera says county highways are snow covered and slippery with secondary roads nearly impassable. The Sheriff urges folks to stay off the roadways. Only traveling if necessary. Waldera notes demand for services is extremely high. If you have an emergency and need assistance, dial 911. The Jackson County Communications Center will send the necessary emergency services. If other non-emergency services are needed, use the Sheriff’s Department’s non-emergency number – 715-284-5357. Waldera says responses to non-emergency calls will be prioritized by severity and resources available at that time.
Many highway departments are pulling plows off of the roads until morning…and officials across the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota urge everyone to stay safe…and stay home.
The National Weather Service has expanded the Blizzard Warning to include all of the WWIS listening area through midday Monday. Additional snow will accumulate overnight with strong wind gusts 40 to 55 mph. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
Wisconsin’s State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating with the state’s Department of Military Affairs and other agencies to respond to the current major winter storm impacting most of the state. The center was elevated to Level Three Sunday as blizzard and winter storm alerts continued. Officials report impassable highways, crashes, and scattered power outages as of five o’clock Sunday night. Crews are coordinating resources statewide, including help for stranded motorists and emergency blankets. The American Red Cross has shelters staged in La Crosse, Osseo, and Sister Bay if needed.
The Wisconsin and Minnesota Departments of Transportation urges residents to stay home and avoid travel unless it’s an emergency. If you must travel, make sure you have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
See our Closings, Delays, and Cancellations page for more Blizzard related information.
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