RACINE COUNTY, WI (CBS 58) -- Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave has issued a declaration of emergency due to extreme weather conditions forecasted this week for Racine County, including a Winter Storm Warning beginning Sunday evening, January 27, 2019.

“The safety of Racine County residents is our top priority, and heavy snowfall, wind and below zero temperatures could create hazardous conditions in much of our county,” Delagrave said. “We continue to closely monitor the situation and are sharing information and coordinating with communities to keep everyone as safe as possible.”

An emergency declaration positions Racine County to ask for state and federal assistance, if the situation warrants. In addition, the County Executive has the authority to make county personnel and resources available.

The Racine County Sheriff’s Office says  if you must travel, please allow extra time to do so and have emergency items within your vehicle such as winter clothing, hats, gloves, blankets, handwarmers, a shovel, a flashlight, a cell phone charger, and other necessary items.  Should your vehicle become stuck or disabled, these items will be valuable until help arrives.

Several deaths have occurred in Southeastern Wisconsin this year as a result of overexertion from shoveling and exposure to the elements.  If conducting activities which require you to be outside, be aware of the risks associated, know the warning signs, and dress for the dangerous elements that are predicted.  Also, please be mindful of at-risk friends, family, and neighbors and check on them to ensure they are not unnecessarily exposed to these dangerous conditions. 

Finally, be mindful of snow plows, law enforcement vehicles, and other emergency vehicles during this declaration of emergency.  Please slow down, move over if able, and be alert to their activities.