Heavy snowfall, strong winds expected to create hazardous driving conditions throughout north central Wisconsin

December 19, 2012

Hazardous travel is likely late Wednesday night (December19) and all day Thursday (December 20) across much of north central Wisconsin.

The heavy snow and high winds will result in blizzard conditions and hazardous driving. Thursday travel is expected to be especially treacherous. Motorists may want to cancel or delay travel plans on Thursday.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation suggests that motorists check road conditions before leaving home by calling 5-1-1 or visiting Wisconsin 511 online.

If you must drive during the storm please be prepared:

• Plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time for travel.
• 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.
• Keep a charged cell phone handy. Keep both hands on the wheel while driving.
• Keep at least a half a tank of gas in your vehicle.
• Make sure friends and family members know your travel plans and when you should arrive.

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

For more information regarding traffic impacts in the North Central Region:

• Call 5-1-1 or visit Wisconsin 511 online.
• Follow us on Twitter.

Alerts and updates provided via these sites are not intended for use while driving. When driving, your focus should always be on driving.

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