Marinette County Battles Blizzard Elsa Aftermath

Officials hope to clear roads by week's end as crews work around the clock

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:04am

Marinette County in northeast Wisconsin was hit hard by Blizzard Elsa, with over two feet of snow blanketing the region. County emergency management and highway crews have been working non-stop 16-hour shifts to clear the roads, but many routes remain treacherous with reduced lanes or impassable conditions.

Why it matters

The heavy snowfall from Blizzard Elsa has caused significant disruptions in Marinette County, impacting travel and daily life. Clearing the roads is crucial for restoring normalcy and ensuring public safety, but the scale of the cleanup effort is challenging local resources.

The details

Marinette County Emergency Management Coordinator Jessica Demler said the heavy snow was a "big challenge" for highway crews, who have been working around the clock in rotating shifts. The county has offered assistance to cities and towns struggling with the cleanup, though not all have accepted help yet. Drivers in the area report the roads are still "packy" and slick, with many routes reduced to one lane or impassable, according to the Marinette County Sheriff's Office.

  • Blizzard Elsa hit the region on March 15, 2026, dumping over two feet of snow.
  • County crews have been working 16-hour rotating shifts since the storm.
  • As of March 18, 2026, many roads remain in poor condition, with some impassable.
  • Officials are hopeful the roads will be fully cleared by the end of the week.

The players

Jessica Demler

Marinette County Emergency Management Coordinator.

Sheriff Miller

Marinette County Sheriff.

John Langer

A local driver in Marinette County.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, keeping up with the snow was really a big challenge for the highway crew.”

— Jessica Demler, Marinette County Emergency Management Coordinator

“Right now, they're a little bit packy, a little slick. This morning was really bad. A lot of wind, hail, rain, and then snow. The conditions are getting better, but they're still not good.”

— John Langer

What’s next

With warmer temperatures expected by the end of the week, officials are hopeful the roads will be fully cleared and restored to normal conditions.

The takeaway

The massive cleanup effort in Marinette County following Blizzard Elsa highlights the challenges rural communities face in responding to severe winter weather events. The coordinated response between county emergency management, highway crews, and local authorities will be crucial in restoring normalcy to the region.