Forecasted snow may create hazardous driving conditions in northwest Wisconsin

December 19, 2012

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

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for a large portion of Wisconsin, including counties in WisDOT’s northwest region beginning tonight through Thursday. Blizzard warnings have also been posted for southern counties in the state.

Heavy snow and high winds are expected to make for hazardous driving conditions from Eau Claire south, west and east. The highway office, along with the division of State Patrol, is and will continue to monitor road conditions as the storm moves into the region.

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:
State Patrol Regional Post
(715) 839-3800

Communications Manager Chris Ouellette, WisDOT NW Region
(715) 828-9471, chris.ouellette@dot.wi.gov