Forecasted weekend snow may create hazardous driving conditions in north central Wisconsin

December 7, 2012

WisDOT reminds motorists to practice safe winter driving and plan for potentially hazardous road conditions

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for most of Wisconsin's northern counties this weekend. Hazardous travel is likely late Saturday night (December 8) into Sunday evening (December 9) across much of north central Wisconsin. These conditions are expected to continue into Monday morning (December 10) across northern Wisconsin.

This is the first significant snowfall of the season and, combined with heavier than normal traffic due to shopping and travelers heading to the Packer game, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reminds motorists to be prepared for the unexpected.

Travelers are encouraged to check winter road conditions before leaving home by calling 5-1-1 or visiting Wisconsin 511 online.

Simply following a few simple driving habits could ensure that travelers will make it to their destination safely:

• Plan ahead
• Drive at a safe and legal speed for conditions (The 55 or 65 mph speed limit is a maximum speed for times when conditions are good/ideal, not for when roads are slippery and visibility is reduced.)
• Drive alert and sober
• Always wear seatbelts

Additional winter driving tips can be found on WisDOT’s Web site.

For more information, contact:
Wisconsin State Patrol – Wausau Post
(715) 845-1143

Communications Manager Kristin McHugh, WisDOT NC Region
(715) 421-8380, kristin.mchugh@dot.wi.gov