The Snow Emergency in the City of Richland Center has been lifted. Residents should resume Alternate Side Parking beginning at 12:01 am on Saturday, December 22nd.
Blizzard peaking; Roads are Worsening.
The blizzard is now peaking and causing road closures, stranded vehicles, and accidents throughout SW Wisconsin. Accident numbers and road closures are increasing areawide, especially from I-90 south. Heavy snow will slowly end during the early evening in Wisconsin. Winds will become the main story, especially in the Blizzard warning as winds will gust to 50 mph through early evening. This snow and wind combination AND nightfall will provide for dangerous whiteout conditions, particularly in flat open areas and higher terrain. Refrain from travel if you can do so.
County road crews will end operations @ 8:00 pm tonight. Road crews have been working since 3:00 am and will resume again at 03:30 am Friday morning.
Local road conditions are worsening; local authorities urge everyone to continue to stay off roadways due to significant drifting and poor visibility. The public’s cooperation thus far has been greatly appreciated.
Continue to monitor local media for further storm updates, road closures and school/business closures. Cancellations and closures will continue to be posted on WRCO Radio.
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 608-647-8187
Closures & Cancellations
For the latest closures or cancellations please stay tuned to WRCO Radio. For a complete list visit the WRCO Radio website.
The Post Office will attempt all deliveries today. Whatever you can do to make your mailbox accessible will be appreciated.
Please also remember to keep the areas around fire hydrants clear of snow.
Blizzard Forces Richland County to Close Offices
For Immediate Release December 20, 2012: Richland Center, Wisconsin
Richland County Board Chair Jeanetta Kirkpatrick announced the closing of the Richland County Courthouse, Department of Health and Human Services, and Symons Recreation Center due to the blizzard conditions the area is experiencing. Only essential, crisis services will be offered at those offices Thursday, December 20, 2012.
Darin Gudgeon, Richland County Emergency Management Director, notes that Richland County is experiencing a local State of Emergency. Richland County Sheriff Darrell Berglin and Richland County Highway Commissioner Jim Chitwood are warning citizens to limit travel for emergencies only.
Nonessential County Goverment Offices Close
County Board Chair Jeanetta Kirkpatrick made the decision that all non essential county government offices located at the Courthouse and Health and Human Services Building be closed today. Symon’s Recreation Complex is also closed. Normal business operations are expected to resume Friday the 21st of December. The Highway Commissioner, Sheriff and myself urge all citizens to stay of the roads and travel only if absolutely necessary. Conditions are expected to worsen as the day goes on. This is a significant storm and everyone is encouraged to monitor local news for updates regarding weather and road conditions.