Wisconsin blizzard: Latest traffic, crash updates through Monday
MILWAUKEE - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation on Sunday urged people to stay home, as travel is not advised across the majority of the state due to severe winter weather.
What they're saying:
"The majority of calls that we’ve been responding to have been runoffs, motorists assists, we have seem some property damage crashes," said Joseph Stephens with Wisconsin State Patrol. "I expect the call volume to continue through the night. We do have extra troopers on the roads."
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"With this stretch of weather, it’s a dangerous road situation out there. We don’t usually see those blizzard warnings hitting that large of an area in the state," said Katie Rousonelous with Wisconsin Emergency Management. "We also don’t see snow totals coming even further down in the state – those 18 inches, 24 inch snow amounts. Those are not usual."
Wisconsin road conditions worsening
With a blizzard warning in effect, FOX6 News has team coverage of the severe winter weather -- including a live look at road conditions.
Stranded vehicles
What you can do:
If you get stranded in your vehicle, WisDOT advises you to turn on your hazard lights and stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt buckled. Getting out of your vehicle can be dangerous. Run the engine periodically to stay warm, but make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow to avoid carbon monoxide.
If necessary, call 911 and be prepared to describe your location and the situation you are in.
WisDOT crashes and incidents
What we know:
The following are the statewide cumulative totals since Saturday, March 15 at 7 a.m.
- 266 motorist assists
- 280 vehicle runoffs
- 97 property damage crashes
- 12 personal injury crashes
- 9 unknown injury crashes
- 2 hit-and-run crashes
- 0 fatal Crashes
- 272 delayed Recovery
Milwaukee County calls for service
What we know:
The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office said that since 6 p.m. on Sunday, it has responded to the following:
- 24 accidents (property damage only)
- 3 accidents with injuries
- 8 debris hazards on the roadway/highway
- 55 disabled vehicles
- 13 disabled vehicles (spinout)
WisDOT travel advisory
3:15 p.m. update:
WisDOT said blizzard conditions in northern Wisconsin continue to make highways extremely hazardous and often impassable. Conditions are expected to worsen, including to the south, as the storm progresses.
In southeast Wisconsin, that travel advisory includes Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties. Major highways, rural roads and other routes may have zero visibility. Vehicles could become stranded, and emergency response times could be delayed.
No significant crashes have been reported in southeast Wisconsin at this time.
FOX6 Weather Extras
Local perspective:
Meanwhile, FOX6Now.com offers a variety of extremely useful weather tools to help you navigate the stormy season. They include the following:
FOX6 Storm Center app
FOX LOCAL Mobile app
FOX Weather app
What is the FOX Model?
What is the FOX Model?
FOX Weather Expert Tom Wachs explains the value of the FOX Model for our team -- and our viewers.
FOX Weather
Maps and radar
We have a host of maps and radars on the FOX6 Weather page that are updating regularly — to provide you the most accurate assessment of the weather. From a county-by-county view to the Midwest regional radar and a national view — it’s all there.
School and business closings
When the weather gets a little dicey, schools and businesses may shut down. Monitor the latest list of closings, cancellations, and delays reported in southeast Wisconsin.
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The Source: Information in this report is from the FOX6 Weather Experts and National Weather Service.