We Energies braces for frozen powerlines, downed branches ahead of anticipated winter storm

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Tuesday, Feb.21, residents throughout Milwaukee County are preparing for freezing rain, sleet and snow.

We Energies is also preparing for the storm.

"We are keeping an eye on the weather too, the forecast continues to change, so we will continue to monitor over the next couple of days," said Amy Jahns, a spokesperson with We Energies.

This year, portions of south central and southeast Wisconsin experienced a slightly milder than normal Wisconsin winter.

The lackluster winter temperatures were noticed by workers and customers at a local Ace hardware store in Bayshore.

"We got a lot of warm weather, obviously, and a lot of the snow melted and went away, and everyone thought this was going to be early and spring, but surprise," said Ace Hardware Manager Scott Ponfil.

But despite the spring-like weather, Wisconsinites are facing the threat of a Winter Storm Warning Wednesday morning, putting winter must-haves back in the spotlight.

"We have shovels, we have snow throwers, we have everything winter-related," said Ponfil.

Welcomed news for Glendale dad, Emmanuel Hess.

"I'm stocking up on more shovels today, we are building our inventories at home," said Hess.

And while families prepared to hunker down, We Energies geared up to keep the power on; their biggest concern, the much-anticipated cold snap.

"Ice can build up on trees and branches, coming in contact with our powerlines, and wind can also bring those trees and branches into our equipment, causing issues too," said Jahns.

The energy company said they are prepared to have 100-plus field crews at the ready and internal employees answering customer phone calls.

If you have power issues, you can find We Energies support here.