Door County officials have declared a state of emergency following a powerful winter storm that struck the area March 14-17, bringing heavy snow, strong winds and dangerous travel conditions.

The storm, identified as Blizzard Elsa, caused widespread disruptions across the county, including snow-covered and drifted roadways, downed trees and scattered power outages. Emergency crews continue to respond to incidents while working to restore essential services.

County Administrator Ken Pabich issued the emergency declaration under Wisconsin statutes, citing conditions that have impaired transportation and other critical services. The move allows the county to fully mobilize resources, coordinate with municipal and state agencies, and accelerate response and recovery efforts.

Door County Emergency Management Director Jeb Saelens said, “This storm has significantly impacted our communities. Declaring a state of emergency ensures we can continue to respond quickly, support our municipalities, and protect the safety of residents and visitors as recovery efforts continue.”

Recovery efforts remain ongoing, though officials warn it may take time for conditions to stabilize and for all roads to be cleared. You are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and give emergency responders and public works crews room to operate safely as cleanup continues.