Record-Setting Blizzard Slams Door County

The two-and-a-half-day storm dropped a record amount of snow on Sturgeon Bay and combined with gusty winds to knock out power and close many roads.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 10:06am

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A record-setting blizzard that hammered Door County with about 30 inches of snow and wind gusts of 45 mph or more from March 14 to 16 continued to have a major impact on the county the day after it left, with continued cleanup efforts and numerous power outages. The massive snowfall combined with strong, gusty winds throughout the weekend to make roads difficult to drive if not completely impassable, including state and county highways, knock down numerous trees and knock out electric power to thousands.

Why it matters

The blizzard caused widespread damage and disruption across Door County, with record snowfall, power outages, and road closures that impacted residents, businesses, and emergency services. The storm highlighted the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events and the importance of preparedness and response efforts.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, the storm dumped 33.2 inches of snow on Sturgeon Bay, a new record for the city. Other areas of Door County also saw significant snowfall, with Egg Harbor reporting 33 inches, Ephraim 30 inches, and most other sites between 28 and 30 inches. The heavy snow and strong winds made roads impassable, forcing the closure of state and county highways, and knocking down numerous trees and power lines. Cleanup efforts by the Door County Highway Department and local municipal crews continued for days after the storm, with a focus on clearing state and county roads to allow emergency responders and utility crews access.

  • The blizzard hit Door County from March 14 to 16, 2026.
  • As of March 17, the Door County Highway Department was still working to clear all roads and hoped to have them open by the end of the day.
  • As of midnight on March 18, Wisconsin Public Service was reporting 7 customers without power in Door County, down from 1,574 the previous day.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency that tracks and reports on weather conditions, including the record snowfall totals from the blizzard.

Door County Highway Department

The county agency responsible for clearing and maintaining roads, which worked tirelessly for days to open up state and county highways after the blizzard.

Door County Sheriff's Office

The county law enforcement agency that responded to numerous calls for vehicles in ditches and assisted emergency responders during the storm.

Wisconsin Public Service

The utility company that worked to restore power to thousands of customers across Door County who lost electricity during the blizzard.

Washington Island Electric Cooperative

The cooperative that provides electricity to Washington Island, which faced significant power outages and challenges accessing remote areas to make repairs due to the heavy snow and high winds.

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What they’re saying

“The main impact was for people being stranded in their homes. It wasn't quite emergencies, but they were facing issues like a medical problem, clearing vents on their house, they lost power and needed to get to a shelter.”

— JEB Saelens, Door County Emergency Management Director

What’s next

The Door County Highway Department hopes to have all roads open by the end of March 17, but it may take several more days to clear all the snow from curb to curb. Wisconsin Public Service and the Washington Island Electric Cooperative continue to work to restore power to the remaining customers without electricity.

The takeaway

The record-setting blizzard in Door County demonstrated the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events and the importance of coordinated emergency response and recovery efforts. The storm's impact on roads, power, and residents' ability to access essential services highlights the need for continued investment in infrastructure and emergency preparedness to build community resilience.