Folks in Walworth County batten down for first snowfall: "Things are about to change dramatically"

Folks in Walworth County batten down for first snowfall

WALWORTH COUNTY -- A winter storm is on the way for most of southeast Wisconsin Friday night, November 20th. Walworth County is expecting to see some of the higher amounts of snowfall and officials say it's not just the snow that worries them -- it's the fact that it is the first snowfall.

Roads could be hazardous for drivers overnight, but state patrol officials are most worried about the interstates.

"The old saying is everybody forgot how to drive in winter conditions, and that's kind of true," said Sergeant John Wolfe, Wisconsin State Patrol.

When Sergeant Wolfe looks at the clear dry roadways early Friday, he sees their potential.

"The fact of the matter is, things are about to change dramatically," said Wolfe.

Sergeant John Wolfe

He and his staff are prepared for the predicted snow and are hoping the same is true with drivers.

"We are watching weather forecasts really closely and those include road conditions," said Wolfe.

Wolfe is hoping drivers remember to take it slow and increase the space between the surrounding vehicles.

"That following distance, that's a lifesaver because a lot of things can happen with that extra time to react and if you do have to hit the breaks, that extra time to stop," said Wolfe.

He also recommends not going out on the roads at all if you don't have to.

"We're not going out even for fish tonight. We're going to stay home," said Geraldine Knudsen.

Geraldine Knudsen purposely planned her trip to Frank's Piggly Wiggly before the snow falls, and it seems she's not the only one in East Troy with that plan.

Preparing for snowfall

We expect to be a little extra busy today because of the holiday coming up and now with the snowstorm, of course. It's been extra busy but we've been pretty prepared," said Frank's Piggly Wiggly Store Manager, Rich Kieffer.