Ice Storm Leaves 16,500 Customers Without Power in Portage County

Restoration could take up to two days as crews respond to over 50 emergency calls

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:04am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, white, and blue, depicting a frozen forest scene with thick, ominous clouds overhead, conveying the overwhelming scale and sublime power of the winter storm.The ice storm's icy grip on Portage County's landscape reflects the raw power of nature and the community's resilience in the face of severe weather.Stevens Point Today

An ice storm on April 2 left over 16,500 Wisconsin Public Service customers without power in Portage County, Wisconsin. Authorities warned residents to stay inside and avoid travel due to falling trees and downed power lines. Power restoration could take up to two days, according to Portage County Sheriff Mike Lukas.

Why it matters

The ice storm caused significant damage across Portage County, with the Stevens Point Fire Department responding to over 50 emergency calls related to the storm. The power outage and hazardous conditions underscore the impact severe weather can have on a community and the importance of emergency preparedness.

The details

The ice storm caused trees and power lines to fall across the area, leading to the widespread power outage. Crews were working to clear roads and restore power, but the risk of additional damage remained high. The Stevens Point Fire Department had to call in extra personnel to handle the surge in emergency calls, which included medical emergencies, elevator rescues, fire alarms, and incidents involving downed trees and power lines.

  • The ice storm hit Portage County on April 2, 2026.
  • Power restoration could take up to two days, according to Sheriff Lukas.

The players

Mike Lukas

The Portage County Sheriff who warned residents about the hazardous conditions and power restoration timeline.

Mike Wiza

The Mayor of Stevens Point who reported on the damage caused by the storm and urged residents to stay off the roads.

Jb Moody

The Stevens Point Fire Chief who described the department's response to over 50 emergency calls related to the ice storm.

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS)

The utility company that serves Portage County and is working to restore power to the over 16,500 customers affected by the outage.

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What they’re saying

“Residents are reminded to stay clear of downed power lines, treat all lines are energized and report hazards to local authorities.”

— Jb Moody, Stevens Point Fire Chief

What’s next

Crews will continue working to restore power to the affected areas over the next two days.

The takeaway

The ice storm in Portage County highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for communities to be resilient in the face of severe weather events. The response by local authorities and utility workers underscores their commitment to public safety and restoring critical services.