Wisconsin Emergency Preparedness Guide 2026

The Badger State embraces extremes. From the Arctic air that turns Wisconsin into one of the coldest places in the nation to the violent summer thunderstorms that spawn tornadoes across the heartland, Wisconsin residents face weather that tests both equipment and endurance. Bordered by Lake Superior to the north and Lake Michigan to the east, the state's Great Lakes influence creates lake-effect snow that can bury northern communities under feet of white while also moderating temperatures along the shore. Preparation isn't optional here—it's a way of life.

Wisconsin's Unique Climate Challenges

Wisconsin's continental climate produces some of the most dramatic seasonal swings in the nation. Summer temperatures can reach 100°F, while winter brings temperatures that plunge to -30°F before wind chill. The state's position between the Great Lakes and the Great Plains creates a battlefield where Arctic air masses collide with Gulf moisture, producing blizzards, thunderstorms, and everything in between.

The Great Lakes exert powerful influence on Wisconsin's weather. Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world, dumps lake-effect snow on northern Wisconsin that can accumulate at rates of 2-3 inches per hour. Lake Michigan moderates temperatures along the eastern shore but also generates its own lake-effect bands that can bury communities from Kenosha to Door County.

Primary Disaster Threats

Extreme Cold and Polar Vortex Events

Wisconsin's coldest temperatures rival those of Alaska. When the polar vortex destabilizes and sends Arctic air plunging southward, Wisconsin often bears the brunt. These cold outbreaks are life-threatening events that require serious preparation and respect.

The January 2019 polar vortex demonstrated Wisconsin's extreme cold potential. Temperatures dropped to -30°F in Milwaukee, -38°F in Madison, and below -40°F in northern Wisconsin. With winds gusting to 25 mph, wind chills approached -60°F—cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in under 5 minutes. Schools closed for nearly a week. Mail delivery was suspended. Even Amtrak halted service.

At these temperatures, ordinary preparations fail. Vehicle batteries die overnight. Pipes freeze even in heated homes if they run through exterior walls. Furnaces can't keep up with heat loss. People who go outside unprepared can suffer frostbite before they realize they're in danger. The 2019 event killed at least 21 people across the affected region.

Blizzards and Heavy Snow

Wisconsin blizzards combine heavy snow with high winds to create whiteout conditions and paralyzing drifts. The state averages several significant blizzards each winter, with storm totals frequently exceeding 12-18 inches. The combination of snow, wind, and cold creates life-threatening conditions that can trap motorists, collapse roofs, and isolate communities for days.

The January 1996 blizzard remains Wisconsin's benchmark storm. Snow totals exceeded 2 feet across much of the state, with drifts over 10 feet. Winds gusted to 50 mph, creating zero visibility for extended periods. At least 20 deaths were attributed to the storm, many from heart attacks while shoveling. Some rural communities were isolated for over a week.

Northern Wisconsin's lake-effect snow creates a different challenge. The Lake Superior snowbelt from Ashland to Ironwood can receive 150+ inches annually, with individual storms dropping 2-3 feet. These narrow, intense snow bands can drop several feet on one community while areas 20 miles away see only a few inches.

Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms

Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually, with peak season from April through August. While not in the heart of Tornado Alley, Wisconsin has experienced significant tornado outbreaks that have caused devastating damage and loss of life.

The August 2005 Stoughton tornado killed one person and caused over $40 million in damage when an F3 tornado struck the small city south of Madison. The 2007 Kenosha-Racine tornado outbreak produced multiple tornadoes that killed 2 people and injured over 100. More recently, the May 2022 tornado outbreak spawned multiple tornadoes across western Wisconsin, including an EF-2 that damaged the town of Grantsburg.

Wisconsin's terrain provides little warning of approaching tornadoes. Rolling hills, forests, and urban development hide storms from view until they're overhead. This makes weather radios and smartphone alerts critical—visual confirmation often comes too late.

Flooding

Wisconsin's 15,000 lakes, numerous rivers, and spring snowmelt create significant flood risk. The Mississippi River forms the state's western border, while the Wisconsin, Fox, and Rock rivers drain much of the interior. Heavy spring rains combined with melting snowpack regularly cause major flooding.

The June 2008 flood was Wisconsin's most costly natural disaster. Heavy rains saturated already-wet soils, causing rivers to exceed records across southern Wisconsin. Lake Delton drained completely when its earthen dam was breached. Flooding damaged or destroyed over 20,000 homes and caused over $765 million in damage. The disaster was so severe that every Wisconsin county was declared a federal disaster area.

Flash flooding poses particular danger in Wisconsin's hilly driftless area in the southwest. The unglaciated terrain creates steep valleys that concentrate rainfall into dangerous flash floods. Urban areas also flood rapidly when heavy rainfall overwhelms storm drainage systems.

Summer Severe Weather

Wisconsin's summer thunderstorms can produce damaging straight-line winds, large hail, and torrential rainfall. The state sees an average of 40+ days with thunderstorms annually, concentrated from May through August.

Derechos—organized lines of severe thunderstorms with sustained destructive winds—strike Wisconsin periodically with devastating effect. The July 2019 derecho produced winds exceeding 100 mph in some areas, causing widespread damage from Green Bay to Madison. Over 300,000 customers lost power, with some outages lasting over a week.

Large hail events cause significant damage to vehicles, crops, and buildings. Wisconsin regularly sees hail larger than golf balls, with occasional baseball-sized events that can shatter windshields and damage roofs throughout entire communities.

Regional Preparedness Priorities

Milwaukee Metro and Southeast Wisconsin

Wisconsin's most populated region faces urban-specific challenges:

• Lake Michigan influence: Lake-effect snow can dump feet on lakefront communities
• Urban heat: Summer temperatures run 5-10 degrees hotter than rural areas
• Tornado risk: Urban development hides approaching storms
• Flooding: Kinnickinnic, Menomonee, and Milwaukee rivers flood during heavy rain
• Wind damage: High-rise exposure to severe thunderstorm winds

Madison and Southern Wisconsin

The state capital region faces the full spectrum of Wisconsin hazards:

• Tornado vulnerability: Several significant tornadoes have struck the region
• Flood risk: Isthmus location between lakes creates drainage challenges
• Ice storms: Southern Wisconsin is more prone to freezing rain
• Winter storms: 40-50 inches of annual snow with occasional major events

Northern Wisconsin (Northwoods)

The Northwoods face the most extreme winter conditions:

• Extreme cold: Temperatures below -40°F are possible during severe outbreaks
• Heavy snowfall: Lake Superior snowbelt receives 100-150+ inches annually
• Extended isolation: Rural roads may be impassable for days after major storms
• Limited services: Emergency response times are longer—self-reliance is essential
• Power outages: Tree-lined roads mean extended outages after ice storms

Western Wisconsin (Driftless Area)

The unglaciated driftless region faces unique challenges:

• Flash flooding: Steep valleys concentrate rainfall dangerously
• Tornado channeling: Valleys can channel and intensify tornadoes
• Road closures: Hilly terrain makes winter travel treacherous
• Mississippi River flooding: Major floods affect communities along the river

Door County Peninsula

Wisconsin's thumb faces lake-enhanced hazards:

• Lake-effect snow: Both Lake Michigan and Green Bay contribute to heavy snowfall
• Limited evacuation: Peninsula geography limits escape routes
• Ferry dependency: Washington Island residents can be isolated by ice or storms
• Tourism population: Summer storms may affect visitors unfamiliar with local hazards

Essential Wisconsin Preparedness Steps

Step 1: Prepare for Extreme Cold

Wisconsin's extreme cold requires specific preparations that differ from more moderate climates:

• Cold-rated clothing: Gear rated to -40°F or colder, not just "winter rated"
• Layering system: Base layer, insulation layer, wind/waterproof outer layer
• Face protection: Balaclava or face mask to prevent frostbite
• Emergency heat: Generator, propane heater with ventilation, or wood stove
• Pipe protection: Heat tape, insulation, or plans to drip faucets
• Vehicle preparation: Block heater, battery blanket, emergency supplies

Step 2: Build a Winter Vehicle Kit

Wisconsin drivers should carry winter supplies from November through April:

• Blankets or sleeping bag: Rated for subzero temperatures
• Candles and matches: A candle can significantly warm a car's interior
• Extra winter clothing: Boots, gloves, hat, face covering
• Flashlight with lithium batteries: Alkaline batteries fail in cold
• Shovel and ice scraper: To free stuck vehicles
• Cat litter or sand: For traction on ice
• Jumper cables: Cold kills batteries
• Food and water: High-calorie snacks, water in insulated container
• Cell phone charger: Batteries drain faster in cold

Step 3: Home Emergency Supplies

Wisconsin emergency kits need cold-weather adaptations:

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day for 7+ days (store where it won't freeze)
• Food: Non-perishable supplies for 7+ days
• Medications: 30-day supply minimum
• Flashlights: With lithium batteries (alkaline fail in cold)
• Weather radio: Battery or hand-crank NOAA radio
• First aid kit: Including supplies for frostbite treatment
• Emergency heat: Safe alternative when power fails
• Snow removal: Shovel, ice melt, roof rake for heavy snow
• Cash: Small bills—ATMs fail without power

Step 4: Develop Severe Weather Plans

Wisconsin's varied hazards require flexible planning:

• Tornado shelter: Basement or interior room on lowest floor
• Blizzard plan: Shelter-in-place capability for multi-day storms
• Flood awareness: Know your flood zone and evacuation routes
• Extreme cold protocol: When to stay home, when to seek shelter
• Family communication: Out-of-state contact, meeting locations

Step 5: Maintain Your Home

Wisconsin homes need seasonal maintenance:

• Insulation check: Ensure adequate insulation in walls and attic
• Weatherstripping: Seal drafts around doors and windows
• Pipe protection: Insulate pipes in exterior walls and crawl spaces
• Furnace maintenance: Annual service before heating season
• Roof inspection: Ensure roof can handle snow loads
• Tree trimming: Remove dead branches that could fall on power lines

Month-by-Month Wisconsin Preparedness

Special Considerations

Agricultural Preparedness

Wisconsin's dairy and farming economy faces significant weather exposure:

• Backup power for dairy operations—milking can't stop during outages
• Livestock winter shelter and water supply
• Crop insurance for weather-related losses
• Hay and feed storage for extended severe weather

Tourism and Recreation

Wisconsin's tourism industry faces seasonal hazards:

• Summer visitors may be unfamiliar with tornado safety
• Winter tourists may underestimate cold dangers
• Lake recreation requires monitoring for sudden storms
• Backcountry users need survival skills and equipment

Elderly and Vulnerable Populations

Wisconsin's extreme temperatures pose particular risks:

• Check on elderly neighbors during extreme cold
• Ensure medication supplies during winter storms
• Know warming center locations in your community
• Medical equipment needs battery backup during outages

Wisconsin Emergency Resources

• Wisconsin Emergency Management: wem.wi.gov
• Ready Wisconsin: readywisconsin.wi.gov
• National Weather Service Milwaukee: weather.gov/mkx
• WI511: Real-time road conditions
• Local Emergency Management: Contact your county emergency management office

Calculate Your Wisconsin Preparedness Needs

Use our calculators to determine exactly what you need based on your family size, location, and specific risks: