LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday added Osceola County to the list of counties under a state of emergency declared March 17, expanding response and recovery efforts following extreme winter weather.

“Extending the state of emergency to Osceola County frees up additional state resources for the area, especially our crews from the Michigan Department of Transportation to help clear roads,” said Whitmer. “It has been all hands on deck since the storm hit, and we will continue to support northern Michigan as recovery efforts carry on.”

The amended declaration covers Alcona, Alpena, Delta, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Osceola, Roscommon and Wexford counties.

Since the March 17 declaration, Osceola County has requested additional resources to meet emergency response needs.

In the amended executive order, Whitmer’s office said local officials had already declared a local emergency, activated response and recovery plans, issued emergency public information and fully used available local resources.

“Despite these efforts, local resources have proven insufficient,” the order states.

Osceola County reported more than 40% of households and businesses without power, along with heavy debris, downed power lines and impassable roads, according to a news release.

Whitmer’s office also noted that the Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund “will not be adequate to address this and the other recent natural disasters” across the state, and the Legislature can make additional funding available.

Much of Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula saw heavy snowfall from March 15 and March 17, with accumulations estimated between 33 and 52 inches in Delta County.

The state’s news release noted ice accumulation also caused widespread or severe damage in several counties.

“Local officials report impassable, snow-covered roads, trees down and downed power lines across the region,” the release said. “Power outages are also reported, with several counties reporting the majority of residents without power.”

The State Emergency declaration authorizes the use of all available state resources to assist local response and recovery operations in the affected counties. It also allows eligible communities to seek financial assistance under Section 19 of Michigan’s Emergency Management Act.

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

Whitmer’s initial declaration states the emergency will remain in effect until threats to public health and safety have passed, but in no case later than April 14, 2026, unless extended as provided by the Emergency Management Act.

The amended order applies the same conditions but an end date of April 21, 2026, to Osceola County.

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.