News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Local officials provide updates on the response to the weekend ice storm during a meeting in the Alpena County Emergency Command Center inside the 911 building.

ALPENA — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer knows there are a lot of people who are living under severe conditions after a severe ice storm caused massive blackouts over the weekend.

The governor added that she intended to update President Donald Trump on the situation and the progress that has been made.

Whitmer said a request for a federal designation for a state of emergency is not in the works as of Wednesday afternoon, but the call with Trump could open that door should the situation worsen.

Whitmer said in order for the Fed to issue a state of emergency, there is a process they follow, which includes a review of what the economic impact is to the region and other metrics.

Whitmer said right now state resources continue to pour into the region and will continue until everyone has power and the damaged power systems are repaired.

“This is a tough and unprecedented moment, and so many people who I have talked to there tell me they have never seen anything like this in their lifetimes,” Whitmer said. “We will do what needs to be done.”

Some National Guard troops have already arrived in Northeast Michigan and are assisting local government, road commissions, and first responders. From helping clear roads that have trees in them that restrict access to power crews and emergency services, to setting up warm-up shelters, generators, delivering food, and conducting wellness checks, the soldiers will lend their help where and when needed, Whitmer said.

“Support began to be sent from the time I issued the state of emergency,” she said. “We are working with the Red Cross to set up 20 warming shelters for people who need them because they don’t feel safe or warm in their homes. We are delivering over 300 badly-needed oxygen tanks to northern Michigan, and we will continue to provide support.”

Whitmer said she shares the same concern of local leaders about the winter storm that began on Wednesday and the impacts it could have on the recently repaired part of the electric systems and on the sections that have not yet been repaired. If the storm causes more power loss, Whitmer said the state is in line to send more help.

“We will respond with whatever is needed, for as long as it takes, no matter how the situation changes,” Whitmer said. “We will spend every resource we have available to this region.”

On Wednesday morning, there was a meeting at the Alpena County Emergency Command Center, located in the 911 building, where local officials from law enforcement, fire departments, road services, education and healthcare leaders, and local support groups met to provide updates and strategize.

The group discussed the importance of best practices of sending out vital messages to the media and public as one voice instead of doing so individually. There were updates on how food was being distributed to areas in Northeast Michigan and how emergency shelters are operating.

There were no updates from the power companies on how restoration efforts were proceeding.

Alpena officials and the Alpena County Road Commission both said clearing snow from the roadway would be a challenge, and it was decided by both that plow trucks would not use their blades to push snow onto the roadside, because there are many weak trees and powerlines that could crash down and exacerbate the power loss situation. They said it is possible a single swipe in the middle of the roadway could be done to help keep them passable if the roads become too hazardous.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.

Warming Shelter List Alpena County

Merchants Building at Fairgrounds

Warming station, charging station, showers available, meals served, beds available

Alpena Twp Hall

Warming station, charging station, snacks and water served, beds available

Long Rapids Hall

Warming station, minimal charging stations, dinners through Friday

Alpena Airport Terminal

Warming station, charging station, water, beds available

Beaver Lake Church

Warming station, charging stations, limited meals and beds available

Green Twp Fire Hall

Warming station, charging station, meals and limited beds available