Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management

07/27/2023

There will be a chance for thunderstorms later this evening into tonight and again Friday afternoon and evening. Some of the storms may be severe, particularly on Friday.

It will be hot and humid again tomorrow, with the warmest conditions expected away from Lake Michigan. Mostly sunny skies are likely Saturday and it won't be as hot or humid.

07/27/2023

07/26/2023

Please be weather aware today as thunderstorms are expected through the afternoon. If you have any storm reports, please post them here.

07/25/2023

Hot and humid conditions are expected at times this week, particularly Thursday and Friday. It will be a little cooler near Lake Michigan. Temperatures will then fall back to normal for the weekend. Showers and thunderstorms are expected Wednesday morning with more storms at times from late Thursday night into Friday night.

07/15/2023

Smoke aloft may hinder shower and storm development this afternoon and evening, although isolated pockets of precipitation are possible. An air quality alert remains in effect through noon Sunday for surface-based smoke as well. A cold frontal passage Sunday afternoon and evening will produce widespread chances for showers and storms, and will help to clear out the smoke as well. Monday will be partly cloudy with northwesterly winds, keeping temperatures lower.

07/14/2023

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Milwaukee County until 10pm tonight. Storm development will progress into southeastern Wisconsin over the next few hours. Please stay weather aware, especially if you'll be enjoying time outdoors this evening. Keep up with the latest forecasts and have a way to receive warnings. Follow US National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Wisconsin for updates.

07/14/2023

Strong thunderstorms are possible this evening into tonight, with some showers and isolated thunderstorms remaining into the morning hours Saturday. Saturday afternoon yields an additional chance for thunderstorms, especially in southeastern Wisconsin. By Sunday, more isolated storm activity is expected, primarily in the afternoon hours. Highs in the lower to mid-80s, with lows in the 50s and 60s. An air quality alert for wildfire smoke is also in effect through noon Sunday.

07/12/2023

Milwaukee County will not test outdoor warning sirens today due to inclement weather. The next test will be Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at noon. We test the sirens on the second Wednesday of each month at noon, weather permitting.

Stay informed today by following local weather forecasts, including US National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Wisconsin.

07/12/2023

An area of showers with embedded storms will enter from the west late this morning and move west to east across southern Wisconsin this afternoon. Cloud to ground lighting will be the main risk. Any storms will be capable of locally heavy rain, wind gusts to 40mph and small hail (up to 3/4"). After a brief break this evening, chances for showers and storms increase near the WI/IL state line overnight tonight.

07/11/2023

UPDATE: Milwaukee County will not test outdoor warning sirens today due to inclement weather. The next test will be Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at noon. We test the sirens on the second Wednesday of each month at noon, weather permitting.

Stay informed today by following local weather forecasts, including US National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Wisconsin.

Milwaukee County will test its outdoor warning sirens tomorrow, Wednesday, July 12 at noon as part of our routine monthly testing. However, in the event of inclement weather, we will cancel the test and post a notification on this page by 11am tomorrow.

07/10/2023

Milwaukee County EMS did it...again!

Mission: Lifeline EMS® is the American Heart Association's national initiative to advance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive disease states, such as severe heart attacks and strokes. The program helps reduce barriers to prompt treatment — starting from when 911 is called, to EMS transport and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge. Optimal care for heart attack and stroke patients takes coordination between the individual prehospital providers and health care systems. The Mission: Lifeline EMS achievement award focuses on agencies’ on-scene care, bringing to the forefront the collaboration and contributions to patient care for prehospital providers.

07/05/2023

Thunderstorms are expected this afternoon along and ahead of an eastward-moving cold front. The strongest storms may bring gusts to 60 MPH and nickel size hail. Cloud-to-ground lightning and brief heavy rainfall are expected with any of the storms. These storms should move east of the area by early this evening. Go indoors if these storms approach your location.

07/05/2023

Be on the lookout for longshore and structural currents. If you're stuck in a current that you can't escape don't panic. Flip onto your back and float. Follow the current to assess which way its flowing then swim perpendicular to the current. Continue to float if you grow tired and signal for help.

07/03/2023

Hot and humid weather through the fourth of July. Temperatures will climb into the low to mid 90s across southern Wisconsin. Make sure to bring plenty of water for you, your family, and your pets.

07/01/2023

06/29/2023

UPDATE: The Air Quality Advisory has been extended through noon on Friday. Check the air quality in your neighborhood by entering your ZIP code here: https://www.airnow.gov

An Air Quality Advisory is in effect until 12PM Friday.

06/29/2023

Smoky skies are expected to gradually improve throughout the day today. There are chances for scattered showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

06/28/2023

Smoky skies will continue across southern WI thru tonight. Weakening showers will move thru southwest WI this morning. More scattered showers and storms will be possible this evening and overnight. A few strong storms will be possible during this time.

06/27/2023

Very unhealthy air quality is likely to remain across southern WI into this evening.

06/27/2023

Here is an update from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on the Air Quality Advisory issued for our area through noon on Thursday, and steps you can take to stay safe and informed.

We've issued a statewide multi-day air quality advisory due to another round of smoke from Canadian wildfires. The current advisory is in effect through noon on Thursday, June 29. The most significant air quality and health impacts are anticipated between noon on Tuesday, June 27 and noon on Wednesday, June 28.
This is a dynamic situation, and conditions may change rapidly over the next few days. It is important to pay close attention to the air quality in your area and take action, especially if you don’t feel well.

During this air quality advisory, the DNR and Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommend that everyone keep outdoor activities light and short. Watch for symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath as a sign to take a break or move indoors.

Sensitive groups, which include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, those who are pregnant, and those who work outdoors – should consider moving all events inside.

The best way to avoid wildfire smoke is to stay indoors. Be sure to:
– Close windows and doors.
– Run A/C on recirculate.
– Use an indoor air purifier.

If you must spend time outside during wildfire smoke events:
– Check air quality conditions before leaving the house and throughout the day.
– Avoid or limit exercising outdoors.
– Consider wearing an N-95 mask, especially if outdoors for an extended period.

Visit the EPA’s map to see the current fire and smoke status and how it's impacting air quality in your neck of the woods: https://fire.airnow.gov/

06/27/2023

An Air Quality Advisory remains in effect through noon on Thursday. Learn more about the air quality in your area at: https://ow.ly/olAI50OYgxF.

Poor air quality can be hazardous to anyone, aggravating health problems such as asthma, heart disease, and lung disease.
Seniors, children, and those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk.
Learn more about the air quality in your area: https://ow.ly/olAI50OYgxF

06/27/2023

Today will be dry, but smokey due to the Canadian wildfires leading to unhealthy air quality. Similar conditions expected for Wed before rain chance return overnight Wed into Thu.

06/26/2023

We will see scattered showers come to an end this evening across eastern Wisconsin. The main story into Thursday will be the smoky conditions. Be aware that an Air Quality Advisory is in effect until Noon on Thursday.

06/24/2023

Showers and thunderstorms at times through Sunday, maybe into Monday. Some storms in southwest Wisconsin may be on the stronger side tonight with gusts of 40-50 mph and 1 inch hail.

06/22/2023

The Milwaukee County EMS System has been selected for two national recognition awards from the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival! One is for Excellence in OHCA care and measures/programs put into place to increase bystander intervention/increase survival statistics. The other is a Hallmark award to recognize the QA and Data teams at OEM-EMS to review, clean and submit the annual data to CARES for more than 5 years in a row.

Only 7 agencies in WI were given the Excellence Award.
Only 4 agencies in WI were given the Hallmark Award.

Over the past 6 years there's been a concerted effort with the fire departments in the EMS system to focus on increasing bystander intervention as there is a clear link to increasing survival. Over the past 6 years we have gone from one in four patients to one in three patients receiving bystander intervention when the arrest is witnessed in a public setting.

When an AED is applied - survivability significantly increases. The data below is all Milwaukee County data.

06/21/2023

📣NOW HIRING: Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management is seeking a GIS Coordinator to join our team! The GIS Coordinator will conduct geospatial operations for OEM by executing projects that turn big data into actionable resources to be used in data-driven decision-making with a focus on public health and racial equity.

Learn more at: https://tinyurl.com/y4cmsxkw

06/15/2023

Gusty north to northeast winds over the lake will lead to High Swim Risk conditions at beaches in Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha Counties from 1PM this afternoon to 7AM on Friday. Waves will approach 3 to 5 feet and dangerous currents are likely. Staying out of the water is advised.

06/15/2023

Smoky skies continue amid dry conditions. Temperatures will be mild inland, but northeast winds will keep lakeshore locations relatively cool. Dry conditions then continue into the weekend with warming temperatures.

06/14/2023

Getting to know your neighbors is part of being prepared!🤝
🔹 Invite them to be part of your emergency plan
🔹 Get to know their specific mobility or medical needs
🔹 Ask how you can check in with or help them in case of a disaster

06/14/2023

Milwaukee County will not test outdoor warning sirens today due to overcast weather. Weather permitting, OEM tests the sirens on the second Wednesday of every month at noon. The next test is scheduled for Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at noon.

06/13/2023

*UPDATE* Milwaukee County will not test outdoor warning sirens today due to overcast weather. Weather permitting, OEM tests the sirens on the second Wednesday of every month at noon. The next test is scheduled for Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at noon.

REMINDER: Milwaukee County will test its outdoor warning sirens tomorrow, Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at noon as part of our routine monthly testing. In the event of inclement weather, we will cancel the test and post a notification on this page by 11am tomorrow.

06/12/2023

There's no severe weather in the forecast, which makes now a perfect time to prepare for potential power outages.
🧰 Have an emergency kit stocked with plenty of food and water
📻 Have a NOAA Weather Radio
🔦 Have flashlights and spare batteries

06/07/2023

🔥 Today is Heat Awareness Day in Wisconsin. Stay safe this summer with these important reminders:

✔ Stay informed - Pay attention to local weather forecasts and extreme heat alerts.

✔ Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of fluids. Don't wait until your thirsty to drink! Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and high-sugar drinks.

✔ Stay aware - Watch for early signs of heat-related illness such as dizziness, headache, fatigue, and muscle cramps.

✔ Avoid hot cars - Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car, as temperatures can rise rapidly.

✔ Find cool spaces - Limit time outdoors when possible during the hottest parts of the day. Call 2-1-1 to find an accessible cool place near you, such as a library or community center.

✔ Cool down - Take a cool shower, soak your feet in cool water, or place a cool, wet cloth on your forehead. Keep windows covered to avoid direct sunlight.

✔ Keep pets safe - Limit their time outdoors and make sure they have access to fresh drinking water.

✔ Check in on neighbors and loved ones during heat waves.

Learn more: http://ow.ly/frhV50OHhrw

05/24/2023

Don't get caught in an emergency without supplies!🧰
Now is the time to restock or build an emergency supply kit with all the essentials.
Find out what to pack here: http://ow.ly/yhO150Oqh0g

05/18/2023

What does the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) cover? EPCRA has four major provisions:

• Emergency planning
• Emergency release notification
• Hazardous chemical storage reporting requirements
• Toxic chemical release inventory

Information collected from these four requirements helps states and communities develop a broad perspective of chemical hazards for the entire community, as well as for individual facilities.
Our Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) works with businesses to meet each provision’s requirement. The LEPC includes representatives of elected officials, law enforcement, civil defense, firefighting, first aid, health service, hospital, transportation, local environmental operations, broadcast/print media, community groups and owners/operators subject to the requirements of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.

05/16/2023

Calling all local businesses! Are you prepared for the unexpected? Whether it's a natural disaster, power outage, or any other unforeseen event, being prepared can make all the difference. Check out the Ready Business program for free planning resources to help you get started: https://www.ready.gov/business

05/09/2023

REMINDER: Milwaukee County will test its Outdoor Warning Sirens tomorrow, Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at noon as part of our routine monthly testing. In the event of inclement weather, we will cancel the test and post a notification on this page by 11am tomorrow.