OTSEGO COUNTY, MI — A historic ice storm hit Northern Michigan over the final weekend of March. The storms left thousands without power, closed the Mackinac Bridge for a record amount of time and put healthcare services at risk for many. Governor Whitmer cancelled a planned speech in Washington, D.C. to oversee the efforts across state government.
On April 3rd, Whitmer visited Otsego, Alpena and Emmet counties to survey the storm damage and support the recovery efforts.
“With thousands of Michiganders still without heat, fuel, and power, we’re continuing our all-hands-on-deck approach to help folks impacted by the historic storms,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today, I met with state and local officials, first responders, and volunteers who have been working tirelessly to help Michiganders in need. We’ll continue coordinating closely with local communities to clear roads, keep people safe, and help get the power back on. Michiganders are strong, and we’ll get through this together.”
Republican elected officials supported the governor’s efforts,
“I appreciate Governor Whitmer taking the time to see firsthand the damage our communities have suffered from the recent storms and hear the concerns of our local officials,” said state Senator Michele Hoitenga (R-Manton). “Her emergency declaration allowed resources to be deployed quickly to begin the critical first steps of recovery and rebuilding. There is still a long way to go, but I am committed to working with her to ensure every affected community gets the support it needs.”
“Over the past several days, I have had the opportunity to work with members of local emergency management, law enforcement, elected officials, utility providers and State Police as well as legislative colleagues and the Governor’s office, to ensure that the needs and conditions of our Northern Michigan communities are understood and addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said state Rep. Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs). “While this was a once in a generation type storm, it’s clear we must take steps to improve our emergency response system and the process for disseminating essential resources.”
Energy Emergency
With the storms closing the Mackinac Bridge, many communities in the Upper Peninsula faced gasoline shortages and other energy-related issues. To mitigate these factors, Governor Whitmer signed an executive order declaring an energy emergency in Upper Peninsula.
“My top priority right now is ensuring that first responders have the fuel they need to continue recovery efforts and Michigan families have ample energy to heat their homes during this cold weather,” said Governor Whitmer. “With this executive action, Michigan will allow expanded flexibility for truck drivers to ensure the supply of fuel can be delivered to communities in the Upper Peninsula that need it the most right now. We will continue to support Michiganders as communities get back on their feet following this historic storm.”
The executive order suspends hours-of-service and all state and local seasonal load, size, and weight restrictions for commercial trucks transporting gasoline, distillate, propane, and other necessary equipment in the Upper Peninsula. These actions help expedite delivery of fuel and other critical supplies to impacted areas following widespread damage from historic ice storms over the weekend.
Website Launched Outlining Available Resources
The Michigan.gov/IceStorm webpage, an online resource for Michigan residents impacted by severe winter weather in northern Michigan.
“We know this week has been tough,” said Governor Whitmer. “Thousands of Michiganders are still without power or fuel. We want to quickly point them in the right direction to get them the help they need, and that’s what this website aims to do. We’ll continue our all-hands-on-deck approach to help folks impacted by the historic storms. Michiganders are strong, and we’ll get through this together.”
The facilities dashboard housed on Michigan.gov/IceStorm visually illustrates the number of shelters and fuel stations available with contact information included. Location information for mobile oxygen stations is also listed as well as data pertaining to current power outages.
“It’s critically important to get information to impacted residents as efficiently as possible, and we hope this new webpage will make it easier to stay up to date on community resources and response efforts,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police and state director of emergency management and homeland security. “Our State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) remains activated and as additional information and resources become available this site will be updated.”
Lt. Governor Gilchrist Visits Alpena and Emmet Counties
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist visited two northern Michigan counties to review progress as state and local officials continue to coordinate emergency response efforts. During his visit, he met with Michiganders impacted by the ice storms and thanked first responders and volunteers for their tireless efforts to help Michiganders in need. Since Sunday, Governor Whitmer has activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), declared a state of emergency for 12 Michigan counties, declared an energy emergency for 14 counties in the Upper Peninsula, lifted trucking restrictions to expedite fuel and supply shipments in impacted areas, and deployed the Michigan National Guard to support response efforts.
“In these difficult times, it’s crucial we all come together to support one another”, said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Throughout my visit to northern Michigan, I was proud to thank our first responders for their unwavering dedication to keeping us safe, and I was grateful to meet with those who were hardest hit by the severe storms. We will continue working tirelessly until every road is cleared, every home is restored, and our community is back on its feet. Michiganders always stand tall for each other, and together, we will overcome this challenge.”
Hospital Visit in Alpena County
To start off his visit, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist visited My Michigan Medical Center to thank first responders, doctors, and other care workers who have been working tirelessly to provide lifesaving care to Michiganders. He also met with patients and families who were impacted by the storm while visiting the hospital.
Shelter Visit in Emmet County
Many Michiganders have been forced to leave their homes due to a loss of heat, power, and/or fuel. In response, Governor Whitmer has been working closely with State and local officials to set up 42 shelters across northern Michigan, to make sure no one is left out in the cold. She also lifted trucking restrictions to expedite shipments of fuel and other critical supplies to impacted areas.
Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist visited Odawa Casino in Petoskey which is currently serving as a warming shelter. There, he met with impacted Michiganders and was able to thank first responders and volunteers who have been operating the shelter.
Supporting Relief Efforts in Emmet County
Local efforts have been critical in helping families across northern Michigan. Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist visited Gypsy Distillery in Petoskey which has been transporting food and other supplies to residents. There, he met with volunteers and thanked them for their efforts.
