Weather emergency declaration issued for city of Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson on Tuesday, Feb. 22, issued a weather emergency declaration. This emphasizes the dangers associated with travel, and allows for the closure of various city government offices.

City health clinics have already been closed. Libraries throughout the city are also closing for the remainder of the day. The other city offices will be closed to the public by 3 p.m.

According to a news release, Mayor Johnson has given city departments the flexibility to send in-person workers home if appropriate. Essential city employees remain on the job.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) has reported it is facing difficulty maintaining safe travel—particularly on sidewalks—with the combination of ice, rain, and sub-freezing temperatures. Various DPW crews have been redeployed to ice control; that will impact some garbage and recycling collections.

Public works crews will continue to work to manage the icing on city streets. The Mayor anticipates lifting the emergency declaration by tomorrow morning.

For a full list of closings, cancellations and delays, CLICK HERE.