State Reps. Borton, Cavitt, Hoadley, Fox, Roth, and Prestin today joined Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in announcing a state of emergency across seven Northern Michigan counties following a significant winter storm last week. The storm, which lasted from Saturday through Monday, brought historic levels of snow and ice to the region. Counties included under the state emergency declaration include Alcona, Alpena, Delta, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Roscommon, and Wexford.

“When a storm of this magnitude hits, people need immediate help,” said Cavitt, R-Cheboygan. “Tens of thousands across Northern Michigan are without power, and without support, many are struggling to access the basic resources they need.”

By declaring a state of emergency, the governor is making critical state resources available to support local response and recovery efforts. The declaration also allows eligible communities to seek state and federal assistance to help cover emergency response costs and repair public infrastructure damaged by the storm.

“We must act now and secure help for the people who need it,” said Borton, R-Gaylord. “This storm happened fast, meaning state resources need to be sent out even faster.”

Some areas of the Upper Peninsula reported more than four feet of snow. Counties south of the Mackinac Bridge faced different but equally severe conditions, with up to one-third of an inch of ice accumulating in some communities. These hazardous conditions made roads impassable, caused widespread power outages, and forced the closure of businesses, schools, and state offices.

“We’re no strangers to heavy snow in the U.P., but this is the biggest storm we’ve seen in decades,” said Prestin, R-Cedar River. “Our local officials are experiencing some extreme challenges, so we need a swift response from the state to get them the support they need to get roads cleared, power back online, and help people get dug out of their homes.”

“Our communities need help, and they need it quickly,” said Hoadley, R-Aus Gres. “This declaration ensures a focused, rapid response so we can help residents return to normal daily life as soon as possible.”

More than 100,000 residents and businesses lost power during the storm. While conditions are improving, over 90,000 customers remain without electricity as recovery efforts ramp up. Many schools across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula also remained closed on Tuesday.

“Thousands of residents across Northern Michigan and the U.P. remain without power,” said Fox, R-Cadillac. “This devastating storm caused widespread damage to utilities and roads. Schools are closed, and many people can’t reach their churches, place of work, or grocery stores.”

“In a situation like this, we can’t afford to wait,” said Roth, R-Interlochen. “I appreciate the governor’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency.”

Following the governor’s declaration, state resources will begin rolling out in the coming hours and days.

People struggling to connect with help or looking for more information on state resources can call or email their state Reps. at:

Rep. Borton: 517-373-0829 or KenBorton@house.mi.gov
Rep. Cavitt: 517-373-0833 or CamCavitt@house.mi.gov
Rep. Hoadley: 517-373-1789 or MikeHoadley@house.mi.gov
Rep. Fox: 517-373-0825 or JosephFox@house.mi.gov
Rep. Prestin: 517-373-0156 or DavePrestin@house.mi.gov
Rep. Roth: 517-373-1766 or JohnRoth@house.mi.gov