Blizzard to Close Dane County
December 08, 2009
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
County Executive
Blizzard to Close Dane County Non-Essential Services
Forecast of Heavy Snows, Strong Winds, & Dangerous Whiteout Conditions Prompt Decision
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Dane County effective immediately until 12:00 a.m. Thursday, December 10th. Due to the severe winter weather conditions forecast including a foot or more of snow and gusty winds, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk has signed an order closing non-essential county services for Wednesday, December 9th.
Public safety services performed by the Dane County Sheriff’s Department, the Dane County Highway Department, and the 911 center will NOT be affected by the closure. Sheriff’s deputies will continue patrols and snow-plowing crews will continue efforts to clear highways and roads.
The decision to close non-essential services was made based on current forecasts of a blizzard warning, concern from the National Weather Service that heavy snow combined with gusty winds will create life-threatening travel conditions, and advice from the Sheriff’s Department that people NOT travel during the storm.
The Dane County Executive’s Office along with the Departments of Emergency Management, Public Works and Highway, and the Sheriff’s Office will monitor the blizzard throughout its duration The Dane County Emergency Operations Center will be staffed to assist with coordinating response to the storm.