Wood County Emergency Management

05/04/2026

Fire danger is VERY HIGH today. Burning permits are suspended and no burning is allowed per the DNR.

04/20/2026

04/18/2026

7:00 PM: Main area for flooding this evening is in northwest Wood and southwest Marathon counties where a Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 9:15 PM. 1-2 inches of rain have fallen. With up to another inch possible for the next hour with the remaining storms. Reports of several roads closed in Marshfield. If you encounter flooded roads do not drive through—turn around, don’t drown.

04/17/2026

Per the National Weather Service a tornado warning is in effect until 4:00 pm for portions of northern Wood County including Pittsville, Marshfield, Arpin and Hewitt. There is also a severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 4:15 pm for Pittsville, Marshfield, North Wood County Park and Powers Bluff area.

04/15/2026

MADISON, Wis. – The annual statewide tornado drills scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, are being canceled in light of recent severe weather events that have impacted communities across Wisconsin. There will not be an alternative date for these drills.

The decision comes as emergency management, local agencies, and people are actively responding and recovering from the impacts of these recent storms. ReadyWisconsin determined proceeding with the scheduled drills would place additional strain on already stretched resources as many communities continue to deal with storm impacts, assessing damage, and supporting affected family members and loved ones.

“While tornado preparedness is critically important, our immediate priority is on the safety and recovery of those impacted by these recent storms,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle. “We recognize the value of these drills, but at this time, our communities need the flexibility and focus on real-world responses.”

ReadyWisconsin encourages people to still be informed about tornado safety, review personal emergency plans, and remain vigilant year-round for potential severe weather and tornadoes. Resources and guidance on tornado safety can be found at https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/tornadoes/.

The next statewide tornado drills for Wisconsin are scheduled for April 15, 2027.

04/15/2026

UPDATE!!!!

The technical issues that led to the sirens not being triggered by the Dispatch Center has been resolved. If a siren does not sound during the next round of Weather Warnings the individual site has an issue that will have to be addressed through maintenance by the municipality in which it resides.

A day like Today and a week like this week is why we do testing of our emergency systems!

It has come to our attention that the Weather Warning Sirens in various communities throughout Wood County are not functioning. This includes the City of Marshfield and Village of Hewitt as well as siren sites in Babcock, Vesper, Rudolph, Auburndale and Nekoosa(some). It is unclear what the problem is at this time, but we believe we have lead on the issue and will continue to troubleshoot/fix the problem. Sites in Wisconsin Rapids, Grand Rapids, Nekoosa (some), Port Edwards, Arpin and Pittsville seem to be functioning as expected.

The sirens are intended to be a warning system for individuals outdoors. It is a good rule of thumb to have 3 sources for weather alerts, with the sirens being one of those, in case of failures. Another option that Wood County offers is Everbridge Mass Notifications. You may sign up for weather alerts through the Web/App. You can choose to receive texts/emails/phone calls. Be aware that this system will alert you no matter the time of day so be sure you select the weather warnings that are most important to you.

Everbridge sign up: https://member.everbridge.net/index/355009111785830

Wood County Emergency Management Wood County, Wisconsin Vesper Volunteer Fire DepartmentAuburndale Fire and RescueRemington Volunteer Fire Department - BabcockCity of NekoosaRudolph Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

04/14/2026

(4.14.26)
Strong to severe thunderstorm risk this afternoon and evening. Mainly south of a line from Wisconsin Rapids to Sturgeon Bay.Greatest risk for severe weather is between 4-10 PM.

Threats include large hail of 1 to 2 inches in diameter, damaging winds, and heavy rain/localized flash flooding.

Periods of heavy rain will cause additional river rises and possible localized flooding into the weekend.

Heavy rain is again possible Wednesday afternoon and night, and then again Friday night into Saturday.

04/13/2026

A Tornado Watch has been issued for Outagamie, Winnebago, Marathon, Wood, Portage, Waupaca, Calumet, Waushara County until Apr 13 10:00PM. The potential exists for severe storms that could produce damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.

04/13/2026

In honor of Severe Weather Awareness Week, and because of the potential for severe weather tonight, here are some hail safety tips. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and stay safe!