LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for seven counties impacted by recent extreme weather.

The state of emergency will assist Alcona, Alpena, Delta, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Roscommon and Wexford counties with response and recovery efforts. In addition, Gov. Whitmer declared a state of energy emergency for the entire state to ensure the speedy delivery of heating fuel to affected people.

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“I’ve declared a state of emergency for counties in the U.P. and northern Michigan to coordinate an all-hands-on-deck response to a historic blizzard,” said Governor Whitmer. “By taking this action, the state can respond to local requests faster and make every resource available to local communities to clear roads, deliver fuel, fix damage and keep the lights on. I want to thank all first responders who are working tirelessly to keep people safe.”

A winter storm system on March 15 and 16 dropped 2 to 4 feet of snow across much of Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Ice accumulation caused widespread damage in several counties while snow, along with downed trees and power lines, made many roads impassable. Crews are working to restore power to residents and businesses.

The state of emergency means the governor authorized the use of all available state resources to assist local response and recovery operations in the affected counties. The MSP Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (EMHSD) is coordinating the state’s emergency response through the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).