SHAWANO (NBC 26) — Emergency and public works crews are getting ready for severe weather expected to fall throughout Northeast Wisconsin Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
As people across Northeast Wisconsin brace for another spring storm, the Shawano Department of Public Works prepares for all types of weather.
"You can either have rain, snow, or sleet, or ice, basically a combination of all three," said Scott Kroening, Shawano public works director. "Basically everybody is on standby, because you don't really know what could happen. You've got to be ready to go out with salt if it's really icy out, and/or go out and potentially plow the streets."
Kroening said snow plows are ready to go. Trucks are loaded with salt and sand in case roads become slippery.
With this storm, Kroening said residents likely won't have to worry about flooding.
"We had kind of that early spring with warmer temperatures that kind of unthawed a lot of our streets," Kroening said. "We don't really have any flooding issues, which is always a potential this time of year."
Lt. Chris Madle, Shawano County emergency management director, said people should always be prepared for potential power outages.
"Have your home ready if your power does go out: Have flashlights, have candles, blankets, warm clothing," Madle said. "If your furnace goes out, obviously you're not going to have heat. Be patient with the power companies."
It’s pretty gross out today! Sounds like a mix of rain, sleet and snow may be heading our way. I talked with Shawano public works and Shawano Co. emergency management on how you can stay prepared ahead of the storm. That story on @NBC26 at 5. pic.twitter.com/KT7gBjn8nt
— Kelsey Dickeson (@KelseyDickeson) March 30, 2022
Madle said people should also have plenty of food and water on hand.
"Keep your pets warm, too. If you have dogs that primarily stay outside, [it's] probably not going to be the best conditions for them to stay outside. Have activities for your kids to do. Ask your neighbors if they need help. That's always a huge appreciation as well," Madle said.
It's likely the incoming weather will impact people's commute Thursday morning. Madle said drivers should allow extra time to get to their destinations, drive slowly, increase following distance, turn on headlights and stay home if conditions are too bad.
