WAUKESHA, Wis. — It wasn’t an ideal weekend for Tim McCambridge and his family. On Sunday, they had gone two days without power. 

“Transformers blew close to three o’clock in the afternoon during the snowstorm,” said McCambridge. “Lights [were] flickering and no power ever since.” 

He’s relied on a generator to keep his house warm and his five children occupied, but he said it’s still chilly, with the inside temperature in the 50s. 

“Lots of blankets,” said McCambridge. “Lots and lots of blankets and space heaters. Doing our best to stay warm.” 

McCambridge contacted We Energies. The company said it hoped to get his power restored by Monday. 

“If you see here, it’s a very old neighborhood,” said McCambridge. “We all have above-ground power lines. There [are] trees constantly going into those power lines. I’ve called a half dozen times in this past year alone just to get mine trimmed in the backyard and I have got nothing in response and that is the cause of this power outage. It’s frustrating when your voice doesn’t get heard.” 

McCambridge wasn’t the only one without power in southeastern Wisconsin. That’s why some places opened their doors as warming shelters.

Lisa Kwiat with Waukesha County’s Health and Human Services said the Waukesha County Expo Center was open Saturday and Sunday for anyone in need of a warm place to go. 

“There’s also mental health services here for people who have been misplaced,” said Kwiat. “There’s a nurse on staff. We’ve been serving dinner, lunch, breakfast. We have water and snacks. Each person that comes in gets a cot, a hand warmer and a blanket.” 

She said around 50 people took advantage of the center and services provided. 

“We just want to be a resource for people who need the shelter at this time,” said Kwiat. 

In the meantime, all are hoping the freezing temperatures won’t last long.

“Funny story—my dad down in Florida, he loves to call me this time of year when this stuff happens,” said McCambridge. “He’s in Naples and he loves to call me while he’s in his pool and asks me how I’m doing. It’s a fun little jab at me, but it’s okay.” 

McCambridge said he’s thankful for the work We Energies is doing in the bitter cold, but hopes his power will be restored soon. 

If you’re experiencing a power outage and are in need of assistance, you can call 211.