News of the Day April 16, 2026
Governor Evers Declares State of Emergency in Response to Weather Impacts

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

“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.” 

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 Governor  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.