News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Ice covered trees stand in front of the Alpena County Courthouse on Wednesday. Many of the other trees at the courthouse succumbed to the weight of the ice and toppled over.

ALPENA – On Tuesday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared two separate state of emergencies for five northern Michigan counties, including Alcona and Alpena County.

Whitmer issued the state of emergency as well as a state of energy emergency, which will help State aid and resources into the areas that were hit by ice and snow over the weekend.

According to Michigan.gov, a state of energy emergency can be declared by the governor under Public Act 191 of 1982, triggered by severe shortages of electricity, natural gas, or heating fuel that threaten public health and safety. It allows for lifting regulations, such as truck driver hour-of-service restrictions, to accelerate fuel deliveries.

“This afternoon, I’ve declared a state of emergency for counties in the U.P. and northern Michigan to coordinate an all-hands-on-deck response to a historic blizzard,” Whitmer said in a press release. “By taking this action, the State can respond to local requests faster and make every resource available to local communities to clear roads, deliver fuel, fix damage and keep the lights on.”

“I want to thank all first responders who are working tirelessly to keep people safe,” Whitmer added.

After the state of emergencies were issued by Whitmer, State Representative Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, who represents the 106th district in the Michigan House of Representatives, issued a statement regarding the announcement.

“When a storm of this magnitude hits, people need immediate help,” said Cavitt. “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.

The Michigan State Police (MSP) Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (EMHSD) is coordinating the state’s emergency response through the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).

“As response and recovery efforts continue, we encourage all residents in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula to stay home and stay safe, when possible,” said Col. James Grady II, director of the MSP and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Avoiding nonessential travel helps keep our roads clear and lets first responders and road crews focus on the task at hand, clearing the way and ensuring safety for everyone.”

Ice accumulation eerily similar to last year’s ice storm has caused widespread, severe damage throughout Alpena and Alcona counties. As the clean-up process continues several roads are still impassable, snow-covered, or have downed trees and power lines throughout the area.

Part of Executive Order No. 2026-2 states the following:

“The state of emergency for Roscommon, Delta, Alcona, Alpena, Missaukee, Ogemaw, and Wexford counties is terminated at such time as the threats to public health, safety, and property caused by the emergency no longer exist, and appropriate programs have been implemented to recover from the effects of this emergency, but in no case later than April 14, 2026, unless extended as provided by the Emergency Management Act.”