WisDOT urges drivers not to travel roads Friday pending winter storm

 

SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Wednesday, Dec. 21, the threat of a winter storm caused concerns for the Wisconsin State Department of Transportation (WisDOT).

The DOT encouraged people to rethink any form of travel come Friday, Dec. 23, as the state prepares for a potential blizzard.

The warning came as subzero windchills and whiteout conditions crept closer and closer, the DOT said getting stranded on the highway or any road could turn dangerous and fast.

"Don’t underestimate this storm, the conditions are such that things like salt aren't going to be in many cases ineffective," said Superintendent of the Wisconsin State Patrol, Tim Carnahan. 

Conditions are expected to be hazardous and dangerous on big stretches of roads.

"Strong winds and blowing snow Thursday night through Friday, with wind gust like that it's certainly a threat to high profile vehicles like semis and box trucks," said Randy Hoyt with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Traffic Management Center.

The DOT and the Wisconsin State Patrol said if you must be out on the road to be prepared for anything.

"The best thing that you can do is be aware of changing conditions expect that you could find yourself in white conditions, where your visibility is severely limited," said Carnahan.

Tips for people who must be out on the road are to have a fully charged cellphone, a backup phone battery, and bring extra clothes to stay warm in case your car becomes inoperable and to let people know where you are going.

To view road conditions near you can click HERE.