Door County, Wisc. – A powerful winter storm tearing through North-eastern Wisconsin has left hundreds of residents in Door County without electricity, forcing officials to open emergency warming shelters as dangerously cold temperatures settle across the region.
With strong winds, heavy snow, and feels-like temperatures plunging below zero, local leaders are urging residents to take precautions and seek help if needed.
Widespread Power Outages Across Door County
According to Door County Emergency Management, the storm caused extensive damage to power infrastructure across the county, knocking out electricity to large portions of the area.
“Due to the strong winds and heavy snow, it caused a lot of power outages all across Door County,” said Jeb Saelens, Director of Door County Emergency Management. “Washington Island and Northern Door were two of the hardest-hit areas.”
A spokesperson for Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) confirmed that at the height of the storm, approximately 2,000 customers in Door County were without power. In addition, another 600 residents on Washington Island experienced outages, compounding challenges in an already hard-to-reach area.
Utility crews continue working to restore power, but officials warn that weather conditions and accessibility issues may slow progress in some locations.
Bitter Cold Prompts Emergency Warming Shelter
As outages lingered into Monday, the situation became increasingly dangerous due to the extreme cold. Officials reported sub-zero wind chills, prompting the county to take swift action.
To protect residents from the cold, Door County officials opened a warming shelter at a fire station in Sister Bay.
The shelter is located at 2258 Mill Road in Sister Bay and remains open and available for anyone needing relief from the cold, county officials said.
The shelter is not only intended for people seeking warmth but also for those who need to charge phones, medical devices, or other essential electronics while waiting for power to be restored.
Residents Seek Refuge as Temperatures Drop
For some residents, staying home without heat quickly became unbearable.
“When I left and came over here, it was 42 degrees in my apartment,” said Tom Wennesheimer, who sought shelter on Monday. “Three sets of sweats, two jackets, three quilts. Bundled up — the only thing sticking out was the tip of my nose. That got cold, so I said forget it, I’ll come across the street.”
Stories like Wennesheimer’s highlight the real-life impact of prolonged outages during winter storms, especially for elderly residents, those with medical conditions, and people living alone.
Washington Island and Northern Door Hit Hardest
Officials emphasized that Washington Island and Northern Door County experienced the most severe impacts due to high winds and heavy snowfall. The combination led to downed power lines and difficult travel conditions, complicating restoration efforts.
Emergency management teams are coordinating with utility providers to prioritize areas with the highest need, while also checking on vulnerable residents.
Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, especially those who may not have transportation or access to emergency information.
Safety Tips During Winter Power Outages
Door County officials are reminding residents to take the following precautions during winter outages:
- Use generators outdoors only, away from windows and doors
- Never use grills or ovens to heat homes
- Keep space heaters away from flammable materials
- Wear multiple layers to retain body heat
- Seek warming shelters if indoor temperatures become unsafe
Officials also stress the importance of conserving phone battery life and staying updated through local alerts.
More Cold Ahead, Officials Say
While snowfall is expected to taper off, cold temperatures are forecast to continue, increasing the urgency to restore power as quickly as possible. Emergency management officials say they will keep the warming shelter open as long as conditions require.
Residents experiencing outages are encouraged to report them directly to WPS and to seek assistance if conditions inside their homes become unsafe.
Are you or someone you know still without power in Door County? Have you used the Sister Bay warming shelter, or do you have tips for staying safe during winter outages? Share your experience in the comments below and help spread important information to others in the community.
