Blizzard Prompts Snow Emergencies Across Southeast Wisconsin

Municipalities close non-essential services and enact parking restrictions as winter storm hits the region.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:35am

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Municipalities across Southeast Wisconsin, including Milwaukee County, the City of Milwaukee, the City of Racine, and the City of Waukesha, have declared snow emergencies and closed non-essential services as a major blizzard hits the region. The snow emergencies include parking restrictions and the closure of various government offices and services.

Why it matters

The severe winter weather has forced local governments to take action to protect public safety and ensure critical services can continue to operate. Snow emergencies help clear roads for plows, prevent cars from getting stuck, and reduce the strain on emergency responders during the storm.

The details

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has declared a snow emergency for county employees, closing non-essential departments like the courthouse, youth justice center, and zoo. The City of Milwaukee will have a delayed 10 a.m. start for city departments on Monday. The City of Racine has issued a snow emergency through Tuesday with parking restrictions, while the City of Waukesha declared a snow emergency from Sunday night through Monday afternoon, prohibiting parking on city streets.

  • The snow emergency in Racine is in effect through Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • The snow emergency in Waukesha is in effect from 10 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, 2026 through 4 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2026.

The players

David Crowley

The Milwaukee County Executive who declared a snow emergency for county employees and services.

City of Milwaukee

The local government of Milwaukee, Wisconsin that is delaying the start of city departments to 10 a.m. on Monday due to the snow emergency.

City of Racine

The local government of Racine, Wisconsin that has issued a snow emergency through Tuesday with parking restrictions.

City of Waukesha

The local government of Waukesha, Wisconsin that has declared a snow emergency from Sunday night through Monday afternoon, prohibiting parking on city streets.

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The takeaway

The widespread snow emergencies declared by municipalities across Southeast Wisconsin highlight the severity of the winter storm and the need for coordinated efforts to keep roads clear, ensure public safety, and maintain critical services for residents during the blizzard conditions.