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Milwaukee winter storm preparations; officials urge caution

By and FOX6 News Digital Team
Published  December 21, 2022 10:20am CST
Winter Weather
FOX6 News Milwaukee

Milwaukee winter storm preparations; officials urge caution

With a winter storm warning looming, city of Milwaukee officials on Wednesday urged residents to remain cautious and patient in the coming days.

MILWAUKEE - With a winter storm warning looming, city of Milwaukee officials on Wednesday urged residents to remain cautious and patient in the coming days.

For now, it's all hands on deck. Officials said Wednesday was all about prepping and salting; Department of Public Works crews started treating roads at noon.

"It’s a snow storm, so no matter what day it is, if it’s a holiday not a holiday, we treat it the same," said DPW Commissioner Jerrel Kruschke.

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Officials said the DPW has 270 drivers working 12-hour shifts over the next few days. There are things residents can do to help snow removal teams work faster – like clearing snow around fire hydrants and following parking rules.

"We do have staffing, and we will remove all the snow from the streets," Kruschke said.

Milwaukee DPW discusses winter storm prep

Mayor Cavalier Johnson and the Milwaukee DPW provide an update Wednesday on preparations ahead of a winter storm.

Assistant Fire Chief Joshua Parish said the fire department is expecting a "trifecta" of snow, wind and cold. The city expects damage to trees and power lines, among other things.

"There is not a day or an hour that goes by that we are not prepared and ready to provide coverage for really whatever the emergency is presents itself," said Parish.

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Because strong winds will be a factor in this storm, We Energies has taken steps to have extra crews on hand in the event of power loss.

"Oftentimes you hear about that – where crews will head down to Florida after a hurricane or advance of a hurricane," said Brendan Conway of We Energies. "Well, now we're requesting some of those resources here. And if they're needed, we could request those resources, most likely from the Midwest."

Residents are asked to call 414-286-CITY or go online to submit a service request in the event of winter storm-related damage. Action can also be taken using the Milwaukee Mobile Action app.

Milwaukee winter storm preparations; officials urge caution

With a winter storm watch in effect and snow and gusting winds in play, City of Milwaukee officials are urging caution by anyone who has to venture out and about over the next couple of days.

Helping neighbors

Officials urged residents to not only ensure their own safety, but to be there for one another. 

"The weather affects each and every single one of us. We all have a role to play as well in making sure that we assist folks who may be of need," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

"If you can stay home, stay home. It's the holiday season. Be with your loved ones, be with your families," said Assistant Fire Chief Joshua Parish. "As the mayor alluded to, pick somebody or two or three or four people to check on."

A spokesperson from Milwaukee Continuum of Care said the city will have two walk-in warming centers – St. Benedict's on State Street and Repairers of the Breach on Vliet.

"The S.O.S. has never been more important for the safety of the individuals who are unhoused in our city," said Rafael Acevedo. 

"I’m just concerned about the cold and worried about peoples actual safety," Mayor Cavalier Johnson said.