The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) reminds motorists throughout Wisconsin to plan for a complex and possibly dangerous winter storm that will heavily impact statewide travel on Thursday. At this time, the final track of the storm is uncertain, and a slight deviation could shift snow totals. In the northwest and north-central regions of the state, snow accumulations will be high- up to 15
inches in some areas. The heaviest snowfall will likely take place Thursday afternoon, and snow clean-up is expected to continue into Friday. The accumulation, coupled with high winds could create low visibility from blowing snow north and west of Madison Thursday night, with blizzard-like conditions possible in far Western Wisconsin. The Thursday morning commute in Southern Wisconsin may be hazardous due to slick roads from a mix of snow, sleet, and possibly freezing rain due to move in from the southwest. Statewide, Thursday afternoons commute will likely be difficult, with fresh fallen snow and high winds. The system should move out of the state by Friday morning, but travelers should be prepared for remaining snow and ice on roadways for their commute, as plows and salt trucks complete clean-up. Winds will remain high on Friday, causing blowing snow and potential whiteout conditions throughout the state. The 2014 Birkebeiner events get underway in Bayfield County on Thursday. WisDOT is encouraging all participants and spectators to check weather forecasts and road conditions prior to
traveling. Motorists may want to cancel or delay travel plans on Thursday, and are advised to reduce speeds whenever road conditions are hazardous and visibility is limited. WisDOT and the Wisconsin State Patrol will closely monitor road conditions as the storm moves through the state. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation advises all travelers check road conditions before leaving home by calling 5-1-1 or visiting www.511wi.gov or visit our 511 twitter pages:
NW region: https://twitter.com/511WI_Northwest
NC region: https://twitter.com/511WI_Northcentral
NE region: https://twitter.com/511WI_Northeast
SE region: https://twitter.com/511WI_Southeast
SW region: https://twitter.com/511WI_Southwest
If You Must Drive During Winter Storm Conditions – Be Prepared:
-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
-Inform people (friends, family) of your travel plans and approximate arrival time
-Have an emergency winter weather survival kit in your vehicle. Your kit should include water, snack food such as energy bars or raisins, a first aid kit and booster cables. If you have a cell phone make sure you have a power adapter you can plug into the lighter.
You can find more kit tips on our website: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov