WisDOT orders no travel across most of Wisconsin amid blizzard

Gov. Tony Evers has declared a state of emergency as Wisconsin faces a major winter storm that is expected to be record-breaking.

The Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center has been elevated to Level 3, indicating expanded monitoring and support coordination across state agencies.

Anadolu Agency

The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for portions of east central, south central and southeast Wisconsin.

Conditions are described as "severe winter weather" that will lead to whiteout conditions and extremely dangerous travel.

The storm, referred to by some as the "Ides of March blizzard," has been rapidly intensifying.

Officials call it a "rapidly evolving, life-threatening situation."

Some spots in Wisconsin have reported snowfall totals near or exceeding two feet in the past 24 hours.

The blizzard warning stretches from Nebraska to the Upper Peninsula, including parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has issued urgent "Do not travel" advisories covering most of Wisconsin.

Conditions have deteriorated to "critical" levels in multiple counties.

Door County Daily News

In the Northeast Region, nine counties are under the most severe advisory.

Authorities warn that travel may become "impossible" due to zero visibility and stranded vehicle risks.

The Northeast Region includes 11 counties total, with Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties remaining hazardous but not yet at the same critical level.

In the North Central Region, all 18 counties have highways that are "completely covered with snow or impassable."

The Northwest Region's 20 counties face partially or completely covered highways.

WisDOT warns that emergency travel should be "a last resort" due to deteriorating conditions that could prevent first responders from reaching those in need.

The blizzard has taken a significant toll on Wisconsin's infrastructure.

“(FOX 9) - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is urging residents to stay home as travel is not advised across most of the state”

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul

Widespread power outages are affecting over 16,000 customers across the state.

We Energies reported that more than 11,000 customers in southeast Wisconsin were without power as of March 15.

Wisconsin Public Service reported about 2,700 customers without power around Green Bay.

Crews from Arkansas, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin were working to restore power.

Some areas experienced wind gusts reaching nearly 70 mph that knocked down large trees and power lines.

Travel infrastructure has been severely impacted, with a jack-knifed semi-trailer near Oshkosh affecting traffic on I-41.

WisDOT identified multiple "impassable" roads across the state.

Emergency response operations are being coordinated through the elevated State Emergency Operations Center.

Wisconsin officials have implemented comprehensive safety measures and emergency response protocols.

The American Red Cross has staged shelters in La Crosse, Osseo and Sister Bay to assist those affected by the storm.

Green Bay Press-Gazette

State officials urge residents to limit travel only to emergencies.

For those who become stranded, WisDOT recommends staying calm and remaining buckled inside the vehicle.

Stranded drivers should call 911 if possible, turn on hazard lights, and run the engine for brief periods to stay warm.

The department warns against approaching downed power lines.

People should stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and report them immediately.

Residents are being warned about potential roof collapse risks.

Emergency management officials emphasize that evacuation should be treated as seriously as a fire emergency if roof collapse appears imminent.

Current blizzard conditions are described as "severe winter weather" with falling and blowing snow creating whiteout conditions.

Travel is described as "extremely dangerous" due to the conditions.

TMJ4 News

The National Weather Service warns that high snow rates and gusty winds between 40 and 45 miles-per-hour could cause visibilities below ¼ of a mile.

Poor visibility is expected to be particularly problematic during the Monday morning commute.

Forecasters predict that up to 5 inches of snow could fall Sunday night into Monday morning across southeastern Wisconsin.

Some areas potentially could receive over 30 inches of total accumulation.

The blizzard warning remains in effect through 4 p.m. Monday, March 16.

Conditions are expected to deteriorate further before improving.

Officials emphasize that this is a "rapidly evolving" situation with conditions that could change dramatically.

Residents are urged to stay tuned to official sources for the latest updates and safety information.