Information released Wednesday by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation urges motorists across the state to travel with caution or not at all.
According to a news release, a winter storm system is expected to move through Wisconsin tonight into Friday, bringing snow, high winds, reduced visibility and frigid temperatures across the state.
Road conditions will vary significantly depending on location, the release noted, while encouraging drivers to be weather-aware, especially if traveling for the holiday weekend.
“Travel may not be advised in some parts of the state on Friday, Dec. 23, due to potential blizzard conditions. Drivers should plan ahead and visit 511wi.gov to monitor winter road conditions and view live traffic camera videos along their route,” the release stated.
The department encourages drivers to exercise “good winter driving” when confronted with winter road conditions such as slippery stretches of roadway and roads that are snow covered and ice covered, and asks motorists to take heed when travel is not advised.
According to the release, the National Weather Service forecasts strong winds and blowing snow Thursday night through Friday night across most of the state. Wind gusts are forecast to be up to 55 miles per hour and could create blizzard-like conditions, limiting visibility on the roads even when snow is not falling.
Sustained winds can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles like trucks, which are at risk of losing control or tipping over in windy conditions. Drivers should be aware when traveling near larger vehicles and keep a safe distance, the release advises.
Conditions may become too challenging for tow companies to assist stranded or disabled vehicles, so it could take longer to get help. With subzero windchills expected, becoming stranded on the highway could turn dangerous for motorists.
Snowplow crews and emergency responders across Wisconsin are preparing for potentially hazardous conditions on the roads throughout the duration of the storm, the release noted.
Additionally, the release offered the following tips:
• If you must travel, check 511wi.gov for road conditions or incidents along your route. Download the 511 Wisconsin app to monitor conditions on the go. Monitor 511 Wisconsin on Twitter (@511WI) for the latest incidents and information.
• Clear snow and ice from vehicles before traveling.
• Fill the gas tank and windshield washer fluid.
• Have a fully charged phone and an emergency kit in your vehicle.
• Alert others about your route and expected travel time.
The following tips offer precautions while driving:
• Snow means slow. Allow extra travel time, following distance, and reduce your speed during winter conditions.
• Be cautious on bridges, overpasses, and entrance and exit ramps.
• Don’t be overconfident in four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicles. All vehicles require additional time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
• Avoid using cruise control in winter conditions.
• Buckle up and put your phone down while driving. Every trip, every time.
• Leave room for maintenance vehicles and snowplows. Move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles.
• Stay at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow. Make sure that you can see the plow’s mirrors to ensure the driver can see you.
• In case of a crash or slide off, stay in the vehicle, turn on the hazards, call 911 and move vehicle(s) out of traffic if possible.
For motor carriers
Trucking companies and their drivers are strongly encouraged to review their schedules and routes, and plan accordingly. Commercial motor vehicle drivers should check 511wi.gov before departure and throughout their trips for current travel impacts and advisories. Oversize/Overweight vehicle drivers are reminded their permits restrict operations during inclement weather.
A Fort Atkinson resident clears snow after an event last year. File photo/Chris Spangler.
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