Late winter storm prompts closures, emergency issuances

A massive blizzard hit the state over the weekend and into Monday, dropping 2 feet of snow in some areas to the south of us and prompting states of emergency to be called at state, county, city and town levels.

The snowfall that hit the region late Saturday night and into Monday was accompanied by high winds, blowing and drifting snow. As of the News-Review’s deadline on Monday morning, totals in the area measured approximately a foot-plus. Meteorologist Geoff Weller shared some early reports, saying that Phelps and Woodruff received 18.5 inches of snow, while Boulder Junction got just over 12 inches.

The blizzard warning was in effect from late Saturday night until 4 p.m. Monday, March 16.

While the North Woods evaded the original estimates of 24- to 30-plus inches, the winds of nearly 45 mph still caused trouble for clean-up crews and motorists heading into the work week.

Weller said the brunt of the storm largely missed north central Wisconsin, instead focusing more on the Wausau and Green Bay areas where unofficial reports indicated 2 to 3 feet had fallen.

Meanwhile, WSAW News Channel 7 reported that from March 14-16, Wausau broke records receiving 30.7 inches of snowfall as of Monday morning, with more coming down.

These blizzard conditions arrived after a storm dropped more than half a foot on the North Woods on March 12, which led to school closings last Friday, March 13. All three area school districts, Vilas County Courthouse and Eagle River City Hall were also closed on Monday due to the conditions.

Weather also impacted health care, with Aspirus Health closing certain clinics. Eagle River and Iron River clinics were closed, and non-urgent appointments or procedures were rescheduled, but 24/7 emergency care was still available.

Widespread states of emergency

The City of Eagle River had issued a preemptive state of emergency on Saturday ahead of the storm, effective March 14-16, that strongly urged residents and visitors to stay off all city streets throughout the event period, unless travel is absolutely necessary. The issuance said conditions were likely to create “significant safety risks” that required “uninterrupted access for snowplows, sanding operations, and emergency response vehicles.”

The towns of St. Germain and Plum Lake also issued snow emergencies, reminding residents to limit travel for necessary trips only and keep vehicles off of town roads so plows and emergency personnel could get through. Vilas County Chairman Jerry Burkett and Sheriff Gerard Ritter followed suit, issuing a state of emergency for all of Vilas County Sunday night and into Monday.

On a state level, Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency for all of Wisconsin after the National Weather Service predicted potential record-breaking snowfall and gusting winds that were expected to cause blizzard conditions, significant damage and power outages, and dangerous travel conditions.