Wausau, Wis., March 16, 2026 – The major winter storm hitting the area has disrupted city services. The Public Works Department worked throughout the weekend to move snow. Staff are working to get all residential streets open and passable on Monday, but it is further complicated by the blowing snow and stranded vehicles. We ask that people stay off the roads unless necessary to aid in the snow removal.

Mayor Doug Diny stated, "Our top priority remains the safety of every resident during this historic winter storm, which has brought record-breaking snowfall and blizzard conditions to Wausau. I commend our dedicated Public Works crews for their tireless efforts over the weekend to clear roads, our first responders who continue essential operations, and all city staff keeping critical services running.”

Not all side streets have been plowed, and crews are working to open each street to at least one lane of traffic to allow residents access to the roads for emergencies.  Crews anticipate all streets will at least be partially open by 1pm today and further clearing and plowing will continue.  Many sidewalks have been plowed over due to the lack of area for snow storage and crews will begin snow removal operations in priority areas in the coming hours.  Once snow removal begins the city sidewalk plow route will also begin to reopen sidewalks and crosswalks.

Department of Public Works appreciates everyone’s patience and those residents complying with the snow emergency.  Hour by hour streets and sidewalks will begin to open and travel will become easier.  Please be careful driving and please do not park on the streets.

City Services Available Remotely

To encourage residents to stay off the roads, City facilities will be closed for walk-in service on Monday, March 16. While the buildings are closed, city services will still be available via email and phone. Residents who need assistance are encouraged to call 715-261-6500. A department phone directory can be found at https://www.wausauwi.gov/about-wausau/contact-us#!/. City facilities closed to walk-in public traffic include:

• City Hall
• Community Development Authority (CDA)
• Drinking Water Treatment Facility and Wastewater Treatment Facility
• Fire Departments (Station 1, 2 and 3)
• MetroRide
• Public Works

Essential city operations, including fire, EMS, law enforcement, water, wastewater, and street maintenance, will continue normal operations.

All facilities are expected to resume regular business hours at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Other City Services Affected

All MetroRide bus services are canceled for Monday, March 16 to ensure the safety of our drivers and riders.

Harters Garbage Collection Service will not be running on Monday, March 16. All garbage routes will be delayed one day this week. For example, if your pickup is normally on Monday, it will be on Tuesday, and if it is on Friday, it will be on Saturday.

The Public Health & Safety Committee scheduled for Monday, March 16 is canceled. It will be rescheduled for Monday, March 23.

Snow Emergency

The City issued a Snow Emergency extension that lasts until 6:00am on Tuesday, March 17. Vehicles shall not be parked on streets during this time to allow City crews to plow streets for commuting traffic, maintaining bus transportation and ensure emergency vehicles can respond. The snow emergency will be enforced and vehicles parked on city streets during the snow emergency will be ticketed.  The forfeiture for parking on the street during a snow emergency is $100.  Keeping parked vehicles off the streets reduces the risk of accidents with snowplow equipment during heavy snow and low visibility situations.

Drivers should use extreme caution on snow-covered streets and during low visibility and heavy snowfall times.  Please slow down and stay clear of snowplows.  Thank you for your compliance with this snow emergency.