SHAWANO, WI- Thursday’s ice storm kept deputies, highway crews and utility workers busy from late morning into the evening with a surge of storm-related calls. Dispatch logs show dozens of reports of trees and large branches falling into roadways, many completely blocking traffic or covering multiple lanes across the county. Highway and town crews were repeatedly called out to clear roads and keep travel routes open. Utility issues were also widespread, including trees resting on power lines, sparking and smoking wires, burning limbs on lines and downed lines hanging over roadways. Several incidents were upgraded to fire or wire-down calls as conditions worsened. Hazardous travel conditions also led to crashes and disabled vehicles, including a car-versus-tree crash. Officials continue urging residents to use caution and avoid downed trees and power lines as cleanup continues.
RECOVERY FROM STORM
More than 20,000 customers remain without electricity in the Wisconsin Public Service coverage area as crews continue working to repair storm damage. Meanwhile, most customers served by Shawano Municipal Utilities have had power restored following the recent ice storm. It was a busy day Thursday for utility customers. Bruce Gomm, General Manager of Shawano Municipal Utilities says ice storms can cause some of the worse havoc.
ANOTHER BATCH TONIGHT
Another significant ice storm is expected to hit northeast Wisconsin late tonight into Saturday morning, bringing dangerous travel and possible power outages. The National Weather Service says freezing rain, sleet, and rain will move in Friday afternoon, with the heaviest icing overnight. Northern Wisconsin could see up to a half inch of ice and strong winds, leading to tree damage and widespread outages. Shawano County is among the southernmost counties in the main impact zone, with all counties to the north also expected to see significant icing. Icy roads are likely north of Highway 29, with additional hazards possible Saturday evening as temperatures fall and light snow develops.
TRIBAL WARMING SHELTERS
The Menominee Indian Tribe has opened several warming shelters after Thursday’s ice storm caused widespread power outages across the reservation. Officials say areas including Highway 55, Zoar, Old South Branch Road/Legend Lake, and Keshena Lake were impacted. Alliant Energy crews are working to restore power, but repairs could take a day or longer due to ongoing severe weather. Warming shelters are available at the South Branch Community Center, Woodland Boys and Girls Club, Zoar Ceremonial Building, and FACE Center.
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