Gov. Evers declares state of emergency in response to flooding and severe weather impacts across Wisconsin

Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #289, declaring a state of emergency as communities across the state continue to experience and recover from severe storms, power outages, record rainfall, and flooding, all of which are expected to continue throughout the week.

Gov. Evers signed the order today after traveling to Union Center in Juneau County to meet with local neighbors, emergency and first responders, and local partners to see firsthand some of the damage caused by severe weather storms that have affected communities across the state. Gov. Evers is set to continue touring storm damage tomorrow in communities impacted by this week’s extreme weather events.

Gov. Evers looks out at field and storm damage with emergency management personnel Gov. Evers talks to farmers near damaged barn

“After severe storms that swept across the state and more still to come, it is critical that we ensure our communities have access to every available resource to help local folks and families in need and secure essential infrastructure,” said Gov. Evers. “We are grateful to all of the neighbors, emergency and first responders, local partners, and volunteers, who are already working to support each other, respond to damages, restore essential services, and ensure that homes, buildings, and other important structures are as secure as we prepare for more severe weather to come. I encourage Wisconsinites to be sure to stay alert, look out for your neighbors, and take good care of each other as these storms continue moving across our state.”

Storms began moving through the state on April 13, bringing devastating winds, tornadoes, hail, and heavy rainfall, resulting in flooding, structural damage, evacuations, and power outages throughout the state of Wisconsin. The National Weather Service has, as of now, confirmed three tornadoes that occurred across Central and Southeastern Wisconsin.

Currently, multiple fire services, law enforcement, public works, utilities, volunteer organizations, and other emergency response agencies have deployed to assist the public, and additional personnel and resources from multiple state agencies are needed to expedite the response and recovery operations in the affected areas. The State Emergency Operations Center elevated to a Level 2 on Monday, and Gov. Evers’ declaration of a state of emergency will help ensure state agencies, local partners, utilities, and emergency management officials can continue working together and respond quickly to damage and effects caused by recent severe weather, as well as any anticipated severe weather.

Wisconsin Emergency Management, a division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, has been working with counties to assess damage and determine resources needed to speed recovery efforts.

Executive Order #289 is available on Gov. Evers’ website and is effective immediately.