Winter Storm Advisory – Community Safety Message

Update - Monday, March 16 - 12 PM

Residents are strongly urged to shelter in place and stay home due to possible travel conditions. This will allow the Town Crew and the WIEC to work as safely as possible. Visibility is already bad with plowing but it even works in these conditions. Emergency response capabilities are currently severely limited due to extreme snowfall, drifting, and blocked roadways. The Town Crew is working to address conditions as they are able; however, heavy snow, drifting, and blocked roads may significantly delay response times. There are several roads that are completely impassable. When this slows down and winds diminish, we still advise you to keep off the roads and stay home. This is when a majority of the clean up crews and residential plow trucks will be out. For their safety, if it's not an emergency, it can wait until tomorrow.

Update - Sunday, March 15 - 7:30 AM

At this time we are encouraging people to stay home and shelter in place until conditions improve. In the event an emergency shelter is needed, a plan is in place. Do not assume it is open unless advised. If you have an emergency call 911, please understand that response times may be extended due to road conditions. If you have a power outage call the REA, dont assume they know already, and stay away from down power lines. A team of emergency personnel will monitor the situation closely and updates will be posted as needed.

Saturday, March 14

The Town of Washington would like to make residents and visitors aware of a significant winter storm expected to impact our area beginning late Saturday night early Sunday morning. Current forecasts indicate the potential for over 24 inches of heavy wet snow accompanied by strong winds, which may create extremely hazardous travel conditions, drifting snow, and severely reduced visibility.

Due to the combination of heavy snow and strong winds, power outages are very likely. Residents are encouraged to prepare now by ensuring they have adequate supplies, including food, water, medications, batteries, and safe sources of heat. During extended outages, please be mindful of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or propane heaters inside homes, garages, or enclosed spaces. Do not operate vehicles inside garages, even if the garage door is open. Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries.

Residents should be aware that heavy snowfall, drifting, downed trees, and power lines may significantly delay or even prevent emergency responders from reaching certain areas during the height of the storm. Residents who live on outlying or difficult-to-access roads should consider making arrangements ahead of the storm. If you have serious medical conditions, rely on electrical medical equipment, or may not be able to stay warm safely during an extended power outage, you may want to consider temporarily relocating before the storm arrives.

Your safety is our priority. We encourage everyone to monitor updates and statements from Door County Emergency Management for the latest information regarding this storm.

Please take this storm seriously, prepare early, and check on neighbors—especially those who may need extra assistance. If you know people that live on dead end or single access roads please talk to them about this situation.