"Cars in the ditch all over:" Second winter storm of the season meant white-knuckle driving in SE WI



WAUKESHA COUNTY -- Strong winds and heavy snow led to white-out conditions at times Monday, December 28th in Waukesha County. A Winter Storm Warning took effect on Monday morning, and was set to remain in effect until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday.

The FOX6 Weather Experts said we could expect snow, sleet, freezing rain and high winds along with this winter storm.

Waukesha County Sheriff's officials said from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday, deputies were on scene of 54 crashes involving property damage, 11 crashes involving injury and 60 vehicles in the ditch.

Crash in Waukesha County amid winter storm Monday, December 28th



Crash in Waukesha County amid winter storm Monday, December 28th



FOX6 News found one driver Monday who had been driving in the mess for quite awhile.

"I`ve come all the way from Minneapolis. It`s been crap all the way from 60 miles on the other side of Madison. Cars in the ditch all over," the driver said.

Crashes in Waukesha County during winter storm Monday, December 28th



And not just along I-94.

Wind led to blowing and drifting snow, which covered main and side roads.

Scott Bailey was one of many helping pull vehicles out of ditches Monday.

"We have four trucks out -- two out right now, and two here unloading vehicle accidents," Bailey said.

Sheriff's deputies and folks like Bailey were busy dealing with spinouts -- and crashes led to closures on the freeway, including one incident in Waukesha County.

A crash shut down I-94 westbound near Oconomowoc for a half-hour.

Crashes in Waukesha County during winter storm Monday, December 28th



Crashes in Waukesha County during winter storm Monday, December 28th



"When it starts getting real icy and the ice is coming down on top of the snow, I think it`s going to get a lot worse," Bailey said.

And as predicted, that snow changed over to sleet and freezing rain Monday afternoon. Drivers could hear the sleet pounding on their windshields.

For some, it required courage just to get out and pump some gas.

"As long as you guys are standing here, it blocks the snow a little bit. But yeah it`s painful. Should`ve done it yesterday," Dean Berndt said.

Crashes in Waukesha County during winter storm Monday, December 28th