WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and SportsSituation report #3 on winter weather - Dec. 8, 2009
Member Center:
Madison (Press Release) - Situation - The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning until midnight on Wednesday night, December 9th.
The warning includes the following counties: Taylor, Clark, Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson, LaCrosse, Monroe, Juneau, Adams, Vernon, Crawford, Richland, Grant, Marquette, Green Lake, Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, Sauk, Columbia, Dodge, Washington, Iowa, Dane, Jefferson, Lafayette, Green, Rock, Chippewa, Dunn, Pierce, Eau Claire and Dunn, Marathon, Shawano, Wood, Portage, Waupaca, Outagamie, Brown, Kewaunee, Waushara, Winnebago, Calumet, Manitowoc, Marinette, Oconto, Menominee, and Door.
The remainder of the State remains under a Winter Storm Warning. The National Weather Service advises that falling and blowing snow with strong winds will create poor visibilities that will lead to whiteout conditions. Travel will be extremely dangerous. Travel is not recommended.
Governor's State of Emergency - Governor Doyle declared a State of Emergency for all 72 counties. The declaration calls to active duty elements of the Wisconsin National Guard and instructs all state agencies to assist in any response or recovery efforts that may be required.
Wisconsin Emergency Management - The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated beginning at 8:00 a.m. and continues to monitor the weather situation. Staff from Department of Military Affairs, Wisconsin Emergency Management, Department of Transportation, State Patrol and the National Weather Service is in the EOC. Regional Directors are making contact with County Emergency Management Directors. Three counties have partially activated their EOC's.
Joint Operations Center - Ten National Guard facilities with vehicles will be manned beginning at 0600 hours on Wednesday for at least two shifts. One air crew has been placed on standby also beginning at 0600 hours.
Department of Transportation - Participated on a conference call with State Patrol. Highway 51/Interstate 39 was reported very dangerous. DOT message boards were utilized to warn motorists of the treacherous conditions. They will work to keep the Interstate and an alternate route open.
State Patrol - Coordinating with local governments and the State Operations Center to handle any road closures. Have been discussing the plan on when and if to close the interstate system. Coordinating with the National Guard on assistance that they could provide. Warning people and trying to discourage all travel. Reports no major incidents.
Department of Natural Resources - Conducted a web conference call with wardens. All Regional Wardens have been placed on standby. They are trying to get half of the wardens on standby, and are establishing staffing for shift changes. They are monitoring the situation via e-sponder. Staff will report to the EOC beginning at 8:00 p.m.
Public Information - Continues to conduct media interviews.
Information and updates are posted on Emergency Management's website, http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov/ and Twitter http://twitter.com/WI_EOC.
For further information, contact Wisconsin Emergency Management at 608-242-3232.
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