Snow in Madison (Jackie Johnson, file photo)
It happens every year at this time, so we know what to expect, but Wisconsin Emergency Management’s Tod Pritchard says we need to consciously switch gears and get in the winter driving mode. “We’re all tough Wisconsin cheeseheads. We think we can make it through just about anything, and we can. We’re tough folks, but that first snow storm really seems to throw people off.”
The National Weather Service says a big storm could bring heavy moisture to parts of Minnesota, and far west and northwest Wisconsin. Four to six inches of snow (map) is predicted. Some places could get up to seven inches by Wednesday morning.
Though snow is nothing new, Pritchard says it should not to be taken lightly. “Over the past five years we’ve averaged about 45 traffic fatalities in the winter months and I believe the number is 5,000 injuries due to those traffic accidents, as well. I think the latest number was 50,000 crashes across Wisconsin during those winter months.”
Mostly, he says, it’s the result of driving too fast for conditions. Pritchard says a test drive couldn’t hurt.
AUDIO: Wisconsin Emergency Management’s Tod Pritchard says slow down and save lives. :60
Emergency officials say you should have a winter emergency kit in your car containing some basic survival gear — at the very least, as your mother repeated to the nth degree: a blanket, a shovel, a full tank of gas, and some sand. Pritchard suggest checking your tires for good tread and keep a phone charger in your car.
Sign up on Ready Wisconsin‘s website to win a winter emergency kit.
The snow is expected from 6pm Tuesday into Wednesday morning. Call 511 or visit 511wi.com for the latest road conditions.