Snow accumulating quickly in North Central Wisconsin

December 21, 2012

Winds will increase throughout the day creating blizzard conditions

Winter storm warnings and advisories remain in effect north of Waushara County. Counties south of Portage County, including Adams, Waushara, and Marquette counties are currently under a blizzard warning. The snow is expected to continue throughout the day of December 20.

Winds are expected to steadily increase to 40 miles per hour in some locations and as high as 60 mph in others. These heavy wind gusts have the potential to create whiteout conditions, making travel dangerous. Motorists may want to cancel or delay travel plans until Friday afternoon (December 21).

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation urges motorists to 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.
• Do not use cruise control in wintry conditions.
• 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, contact:
Communications Manager Kristin McHugh, WisDOT NC Region
(715) 421-8380, kristin.mchugh@dot.wi.gov