Oneida County Emergency Management: Late season winter storm update
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Oneida County in effect until 7 p.m. Friday, April 4. This storm is expected to bring a mix of freezing rain, snow and sleet to the area this evening. Precipitation will change to all snow Friday morning and will be heavy at times. Ice accumulation on trees and power lines will be greatest where snow totals are the lowest. Gusty north winds combined with the wet heavy snow and the freezing rain could down tree limbs and create some power outages.
Before the storm hits, complete any errands (food, generator fuel, medications, etc.), as travel is expected to become very difficult overnight and into Friday morning. If possible, consider staying home and waiting out the storm. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts or tune into television stations for updates. Check on neighbors and senior family members.
Those who must travel during the winter storm are advised to use extreme caution as significant amounts of snow are forecasted. Before traveling, call 511 or visit www.511wi.gov for information on road conditions, make sure there is plenty of fuel in the gas tank and have a fully-charged cell phone and cell phone adapter. Those traveling should contact someone to alert them of the following: the travel route and destination, what type of vehicle the traveler is driving along with license plate number, what time they are leaving and what time they are expecting to arrive. A traveler should also provide the contact with his or her cell phone number. Make sure to contact the same person when arriving at the destination point. Make sure there is an emergency car kit in the back seat of the vehicle containing blankets, extra hats, socks, boots and mittens, flashlight with extra batteries, water and high-calorie non-perishable foods (raisins, candy bars, energy/protein bars), sand or cat litter for traction, booster cables, games to help children pass the time, medications if needed and any special items for those traveling, such as formula for infants. Monitor the weather by tuning into local radio stations for updates.
To report power outages, contact Wisconsin Public Service at 1-800-450-7240.
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