WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and SportsSituation report #8 on winter weather - Dec. 9, 2009

Situation report #8 on winter weather - Dec. 9, 2009

Madison (Press Release) - 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, 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 is currently extremely dangerous. Travel is not recommended. In addition, all state offices are closed.

Governor's State of Emergency - On 12/08/2009, 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) is fully operational and actively monitoring the weather situation. Currently Dane, Rock, Brown, Richland and Marinette Counties have partial activated their Emergency Operations Centers in response to weather conditions.

Joint Operations Center - Ten National Guard facilities have prepositioned heavy duty vehicles (w/chains). Nine of those National Guard facilities have been manned since 6:00 am on Wednesday. The WING has planned to maintain that manning level until 6:00pm on 12/10/09. Two aviation facilities have aircrews on standby, but do not anticipate flyable weather in the state until 4:00 p.m. on 12/9/09.

Department of Transportation - Motorists can get up to date traveler information by calling 511 from their cellular phones or logging onto www.511wi.gov. In addition, DOT is monitoring road and traffic incidences. The website has experienced heavy traffic with the current situation. The STOC said they are working to try and get www.511wi.gov website operational by posting a text-only version online. This would reduce bandwidth allowing more usage.

State Patrol - Coordinating with local governments and the State Operations Center to handle any potential road closures. State Patrol currently staffed at a high state of readiness statewide. State Patrol is discouraging all road travel. The STOC emailed trucking companies asking drivers to slow down. In addition, electronic signs are positioned to advise drivers of adverse driving conditions.

Department of Natural Resources - 9 wardens (with 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles) coordinating through State Patrol will be driving sections of interstate and state highways to provide extra eyes for situational awareness and public safety.

Public Information - Continues to conduct media interviews. Requests are being received for radio & television 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.