Local officials are bracing for a dangerous stretch of weather as Todd County Judge Executive Todd Mansfield officially declared a county-wide State of Emergency on Friday.
The declaration, Executive Order 2026-01, comes in response to forecasts predicting severe winter weather and extreme cold set to impact the region. The order officially goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
What This Means for Residents
The declaration is a proactive step that allows the county to bypass certain “red tape” to ensure a faster response to the freezing conditions.
Under this order:
- Emergency Operations: The local emergency operations plan is now active.
- Agency Cooperation: All local agencies are required to cooperate fully with Todd County Emergency Management.
- Expedited Resources: Judge Executive Mansfield now has the authority to waive standard formalities regarding the hiring of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, and the immediate expenditure of public funds to keep roads clear and citizens safe.
In the signed document, Judge Executive Mansfield noted that the expected weather poses a “serious impact to the safety of our citizens and/or property.”
The order will remain in effect until it is officially rescinded by the Judge Executive’s office.
Safety Reminders
As the extreme cold moves in, WEKT reminds you to:
1. Check on the vulnerable: Ensure elderly neighbors and those without reliable heat have a warm place to stay.
2. Protect your pipes: Leave faucets dripping to prevent freezing.
3. Bring pets inside: If it is too cold for you, it is too cold for them.
Stay with WEKT on-air and online for the latest weather updates and road conditions throughout the weekend.
