Trees Tumble on Rib Mountain State Park and Granite Peak Ski Hill

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – Ice coated the mountain in Marathon county, as the storm blew through snapping trees and closing business.

Cleanup is underway after the north eastern part of the state was hit with a devastating ice storm. Up to a half inch of ice wrapped trees, snapping and crashing them to the ground. It knocked out power for plenty in the Northwoods, with over 35,000 customers still waiting for power on Monday evening.

At Rib Mountain State Park, hiking was discouraged as trees were still actively falling on Monday, even after the storm had ended.

On the other side of the State Park, the ski hill Granite Peak had their own problems. With snow still on slopes and open for business for a few more days, quick removal was top of mind for management. They were forced to shut the entire ski hill down both Sunday and Monday, to clear trees. They plan to have Comet and Blitzen runs open again on Tuesday morning.

Damage from the ice spans hundreds of miles across the state. In Rhinelander, the Hodag Dome deflated due to loss of power. On it’s way down to the ground, it snagged and tore. This is a big hit for the town that continuously holds sporting events inside.

For the election, that’s where Rhinelander residents were supposed to go to vote for the Spring Elections on Tuesday April 1st.

The City had to hold an emergency meeting to discuss a new venue for voting on Sunday night. It will now be held in the gymnasium of James Williams Middle School.

The Hodag Dome also posted on Facebook that the School District of Rhinelander says they will continue to provide updates as repairs are made and will let the community as soon as the Dome is back up and open.