U.P. responds to emergency weather, subsequent issues

What's happening: After devastating ice storms in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, the entire U.P. has been declared as a state of emergency by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The damage to infrastructure and the environment has been extensive. The Michigan National Guard was mobilized to help with road clearing efforts. Many emergency shelters were filled with locals without power. Campgrounds and state parks remain closed while the cleanup continues.  Various state resources from the Attorney General's Office, Health and Human Services and the Department of Natural Resources continue to try and help those impacted by the storms.

Bridge closure impacts: The Mackinac Bridge was closed multiple times during the heart of the storm, including a record-long 30-hour closure and partial electrical failures. Dangerous ice buildup breaking off the bridge’s towers and cables made travel difficult. This disruption in a major travel route impacted multiple resources reaching the U.P., namely gasoline. Chippewa County Sheriff's Office has asked residents to conserve fuel until more options are available. 

What they're saying: “We are going to stand tall for Michiganders who are working day and night to clear roads, fix powerlines, prepare food, and provide shelter for so many in need,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “During tough times, we step up to help each other. Today’s actions will help first responders get the fuel they need to keep operations going. We will get through this together.”

What's next:  Additional resources are available at a special website and dashboard at Michigan.gov/IceStorm, which was created after the storm.

“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.”