Travel Not Advised Across Majority of State
Northern counties severely impacted, southern Wisconsin to see further impacts through Monday
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) urges people to stay home and limit travel to emergencies only during the current winter storm. Travel is not advised across northern Wisconsin as blizzard conditions continue to make highways extremely hazardous and often impassable. The winter storm is expected to cause continued deteriorating conditions in southern counties as the storm progresses.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued blizzard warnings extending into Monday (March 16) across the impacted areas. Heavy snowfall, whiteout visibility, dangerously high winds, and blowing and drifting snow are significantly impacting road conditions. Snowplows are struggling to keep up in many locations, and some secondary routes have suspended winter maintenance operations to focus resources on primary roads.
Travel is strongly not advised across northern Wisconsin counties:
- Northeast Region (11 counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Fond du Lac, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Oconto, Outagamie, Sheboygan, and Winnebago)
- Life-threatening conditions persist, with ‘do not travel’ advisories in effect for nine counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Fond du Lac, Kewaunee, Marinette, Oconto, Outagamie, and Winnebago. Conditions remain hazardous in Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties.
- Major highways, rural roads, and secondary routes are affected, with potential for zero visibility, stranded vehicles, and delayed emergency response.
- North Central Region (18 counties: Adams, Florence, Forest, Green Lake, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marquette, Menominee, Oneida, Portage, Price, Shawano, Vilas, Waupaca, Waushara, and Wood)
- All highways are completely covered with snow or impassable, with more snow expected. Travel is restricted to emergencies only. Blowing snow causes drifting and reduced visibility; drivers of high-profile vehicles face heightened risks.
- Northwest Region (20 counties: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, and Washburn)
- Highways are partially or completely covered with snow or impassable, with more snow forecast. Drivers are urged to avoid east- and westbound I-94 in Jackson County due to lane restrictions caused by the storm. Heavy snow, winds, and poor visibility are overwhelming snowplow efforts.
Monitor current conditions via 511wi.gov or via the 511 Wisconsin app, including live traffic cameras. Follow WisDOT and Wisconsin State Patrol on social media for updates on the winter storm response.
This is a rapidly evolving, life-threatening situation. Lives are at risk – WisDOT asks the public to heed all warnings and avoid unnecessary travel in these regions. Conditions will continue to be monitored closely, with updates provided as the storm progresses. Stay tuned to official sources, including local authorities, NWS, and WisDOT channels.
What to do if you’re stranded:
- Stay calm. It’s generally safest to stay buckled up inside your vehicle. Along with protecting you from the elements, your vehicle offers protection should other vehicles slide out of control. Getting out of your vehicle and walking near a highway is dangerous any time of year.
- If possible, call 911. Be ready to describe your location and situation. Follow any instructions from dispatch. You may be told to stay where you are until help arrives.
- Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights to increase visibility for rescue crews to find you.
- Resist the urge to get out of your vehicle and shovel or push your vehicle free. Overexertion can greatly complicate your situation, and being outside your vehicle exposes you to other dangers.
- If necessary to stay warm, run your vehicle’s engine for brief periods (make sure the exhaust system is working properly and not blocked by snow).
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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