Forecasted winter storm warning may create hazardous driving conditions throughout Wisconsin
December 19, 2012
A winter storm warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday (December 20) through Thursday afternoon (December 21). Hazardous travel is likely over the next two days across much of the state. The heavy snow and high winds will result in blizzard conditions and hazardous driving. Thursday driving is expected to be especially treacherous. Motorists may want to cancel or delay travel plans on Thursday.
Additionally, there is potential for significant travel impacts into Friday, with relatively heavy travel anticipated due to the extended holiday weekend.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation advises that travelers check winter road conditions before leaving home by calling 5-1-1 or visiting Wisconsin 511 online.
If motorists 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 tank of gas in your vehicle.
- Inform people (friends, family) of your travel plans and approximate arrival time.
Additional winter driving tips can be found on the WisDOT Web site.
For more information, contact:
State Transportation Operations Center (STOC)
(800) 375-7301
OR (until 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 19)
Kathleen Scholl, Office of Public Affairs
(608) 266-6752,
kathleena.scholl@dot.wi.gov
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