Evers declares statewide state of emergency in wake of storms

Metro Wire Staff

Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #232 today, declaring a state of emergency throughout Wisconsin after strong storms produced damaging tornadoes, high winds, and flooding across the state.

“Communities across our state have been affected by the impacts of severe weather in recent days, including storms and flooding, that have endangered the lives and livelihoods of Wisconsinites across our state,” Evers said. “We want to make sure folks and communities are safe, healthy, and have the support they need to recover quickly and that can get relief to those impacted.”

The governor’s declaration follows several rounds of storms from June 21 to June 25 that caused widespread tree and structural damage, road washouts, power outages, and flooding. The National Weather Service confirmed 10 tornadoes in nine counties, and some areas received roughly five to six inches of rain, leading to ongoing flooding as of June 28.

In central Wisconsin, including Portage County, rainfall totals were moderate, ranging from 2 to 4 inches. While Portage County did not experience significant damage, neighboring areas faced more severe impacts.

Wisconsin Emergency Management, a division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, is working with affected counties to assess damage and determine resources needed to speed recovery efforts.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is assessing damage to state park properties.