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Many schools closed, power outages widespread due to high winds

High winds resulted in many power outages and school cancellations around the region.

Wisconsin Public Service reported more than 60-thousand customers without power just before 6:00 a.m. Thursday.

Many school districts decided to call off classes.

You’ll find a complete list at the bottom of this story.

Drivers should use caution out on the roads.

The high, sustained winds that moved in after last night’s storm are expected to last through Thursday morning.

The National Weather Service is calling for sustained winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour with gusts up to 60 miles per hour for our region.

Kort Kotenburg is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Green Bay.

“This could certainly impact school busses in the morning, especially any busses or any high-profile vehicles for that matter that are traveling on North/South roads such as Interstate 39, Instate 41, 43, the winds will probably be coming from your left to your right if you’re heading to the north. Could definitely see some sideways blowing with the traffic there.”

Another concern with these winds is downed power lines and trees.

A storm like this in the middle of December is incredibly rare.

Kotenburg has never seen anything like his 20 years of meteorology.

“I’ll just say we’re operating way outside of the realm of normal. If this event were in June or July, it would still be pretty significant and notable and then the fact that’s its in the middle of December, just makes it unprecedented.”

A high wind warning is in effect for our region until 9:00 a.m. Thursday.

School Cancellations and Delays Thursday, December 16:

Arbor Vitae Woodruff: Closed

Crandon: Delayed 2 hours

Elcho: Closed

Lakeland Union H.S.: Closed

Lac du Flambeau Elementary Closed

Merrill School District: Closed

Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lake Tomahawk School District: Closed

Northland Pines School District: Closed

North Lakeland Elementary closed

Phelps School District: Closed

Rhinelander School District Closed

Three Lakes School District: Closed

Tomahawk School District: Closed

Wabeno 2 hour delay

John Burton is the WXPR Morning Edition Host.
Katie Thoresen is WXPR's News Director/Vice President.
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