Winter in Wisconsin can bring snow-covered roads, dangerous wind chills, and icy conditions that can put lives at risk. To help Wisconsin plan for the months ahead, Gov. Tony Evers has declared Nov. 16-20 as Winter Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin.
“Wisconsin winters can be unpredictable, and conditions can turn dangerous in a matter of hours,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle. “The best time to prepare is before winter weather arrives, and now is the time to plan, prepare, and understand the risks winter weather can bring.”
Winter storms and dangerously cold temperatures can pose real dangers if people are not ready for their impacts. Wisconsinites should monitor forecasts by checking weather conditions by getting updates from the National Weather Service and other trusted local sources.
The freezing temperatures of the winter months can be dangerous for many people, leading to cold-related illnesses and injuries such as hypothermia and frostbite. There were 102 cold-related deaths in the state during the winter months of 2025-26, according to preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. In addition, there were 1,725 emergency department visits, and 523 hospitalizations in the state due to cold-related illnesses last winter.
“Winter in Wisconsin can be beautiful, but the cold, ice and snow can put your health at risk,” said Paula Tran, state health officer and administrator for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. “Dress warmly, limit time outdoors in extreme cold, check on older neighbors and family, and have emergency preparedness kits in your home and car.”
Ice and snow on the roads are also a major threat to drivers throughout the state, causing thousands of motor vehicle crashes each year. Preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation shows 29 people were killed and 3,187 were injured in the state from November 2025 to May 2026 from crashes involving winter road conditions.
“Drivers can do a lot now to prepare for safe winter travel, starting with checking your vehicle’s tires, windshield wipers, battery and fluid levels,” said Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan. “Before heading out, be sure to clear all snow and ice from your vehicle and remember to drive for the conditions, which often means traveling slower than the speed limit to prevent crashes and slide-offs when roads are slippery.”
Get ready for the winter season by:
Keeping your home stocked with food, flashlights, batteries, blankets and other essentials in case winter storms cause power outages or prevent you from leaving your home.
Preparing your vehicle by checking tires, batteries, and brakes. Keep a winter emergency kit inside your vehicle with extra warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, phone charger and other winter essentials.
Checking road conditions with 511 Wisconsin and weather conditions before traveling.
Protecting against extreme cold by dressing in layers and limiting time outdoors during dangerously cold conditions.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite. For frostbite, there may be a lack of feeling in affected body parts and skin may appear waxy, cold to the touch or discolored. Signs of hypothermia in adults and children include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. In infants the warning signs include bright red or cold skin, and very low energy.
Checking on family members, neighbors, and others who may need assistance. Older adults, young children, people with disabilities, and those without reliable heating may face additional risks.