Gov. Whitmer declares state of emergency after extreme winter storm

LANSING, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for seven northern Michigan counties following extreme winter weather.

The counties include:

• Alcona
• Alpena
• Delta
• Missaukee
• Ogemaw
• Roscommon
• Wexford

A winter storm system on March 15-16 dropped 2 to 4 feet of snow across much of Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

Ice accumulation also caused widespread damage in several counties. Local officials report impassable, snow-covered roads, trees down and downed power lines across the region.

“This afternoon, I’ve declared a state of emergency for counties in the U.P. and northern Michigan to coordinate an all-hands-on-deck response to a historic blizzard,” said Governor Whitmer. “By taking this action, the state can respond to local requests faster and make every resource available to local communities to clear roads, deliver fuel, fix damage and keep the lights on. I want to thank all first responders who are working tirelessly to keep people safe.”

The MSP Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (EMHSD) is coordinating the state’s emergency response through the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).

“As response and recovery efforts continue, we encourage all residents in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula to stay home and stay safe when possible,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Avoiding nonessential travel helps keep our roads clear and lets first responders and road crews focus on the task at hand, clearing the way and ensuring safety for everyone.”

By declaring a state of emergency, the governor has authorized the use of all available state resources to assist local response and recovery operations in the affected counties.

The declaration also allows eligible communities to seek financial assistance under Section 19 of Michigan’s Emergency Management Act (Public Act 390 of 1976, as amended). The funding helps local governments cover emergency response costs and repair public infrastructure damaged by the storms.