Official Notice: Extreme Cold Emergency Procedures and Service Disruptions

Emergency Weather Alert: Extreme Cold Warning

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for the City of Milwaukee, effective from midnight Friday, January 23, through 1:00 p.m. Wind chill values are forecasted to range between -30 and -40 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions pose a significant risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Residents are strongly urged to remain indoors when possible and to dress in multiple layers if travel is necessary.

Department of Public Works: Service Suspensions

Due to the life-threatening temperatures, the Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced major suspensions of city services to ensure the safety of municipal employees. Residents should take note of the following changes for Friday, January 23, 2026:

• Sanitation Services: All garbage and recycling collections are suspended for today. Residents who normally have Friday pickup are instructed to keep their carts at the standard collection point; crews will work extended hours starting Monday to catch up on missed routes.
• Drop-Off Centers: Both City Drop-Off Centers will remain closed to the public on Friday, January 23, and Saturday, January 24.
• Field Operations: All non-emergency outdoor field operations are suspended. Emergency crews remain on standby for water main breaks or critical infrastructure repairs.
• Tow Lot: The City Tow Lot at 3811 W. Lincoln Ave. will operate on a shortened schedule, opening from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. today.

Public Health: Extended Warming Center Hours

Mayor Cavalier Johnson and the Milwaukee Health Department have authorized extended hours for winter warming locations throughout the weekend to support those experiencing housing instability. The following sites will be active today:

• Guest House of Milwaukee (Men only): Open 24 hours on Friday, January 23.
• Repairers of the Breach (Singles only): Open 24 hours on Friday, January 23, and Saturday, January 24.
• St. Ben’s Parish: Providing continuous warming services through January 26.
• Unity Lutheran Church: Open all day Friday, January 23.

For immediate assistance or additional referrals to cold-weather resources, residents are encouraged to dial 2-1-1.

Public Meetings and Notices

• Official Animal Hearing: The Department of Neighborhood Services will proceed with a scheduled Animal Hearing today, January 23, at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., in Room 301-B.
• Water Works Advisory: Milwaukee Water Works reminds property owners to prevent frozen pipes by ensuring basement temperatures remain above 55 degrees and sealing any drafts near water meters or intake lines.
• Winter Parking: Standard winter parking regulations remain in effect. Unless a Snow Emergency is declared, alternate side parking rules apply from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.