'Snow and ice:' DOT urges drivers to use caution on all roadways during snowstorm

MILWAUKEE -- As snow continues to fall across most of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation urges motorists to take extra precautions if travel is necessary.

WisDOT’s 511wi.gov winter road condition map is showing most roads are snow covered and slippery ice-covered highways in northern Wisconsin. Hazardous conditions will continue and will impact the evening commute.

Preparation before winter travel:

Precautions while driving:

Caution around snowplows

WisDOT reminds motorists that it is illegal to follow a snowplow closer than 200 feet if the plow is engaged in snow and ice removal on highways with a posted speed limit of more than 35 mph. Most crashes involving snowplows and vehicles happen when a snowplow is rear ended or hit while being passed.

Motorists may legally pass a working snowplow but are advised to use extreme caution as road conditions could be worse ahead of the plow.

Dangerously cold air to impact road conditions

Snowplows were out working through the night and will continue through the day (1/23) to remove snow from roadways and provide ice control. Strong, gusty northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts to 35 mph are forecasted for Thursday (1/24). Wind chills of -20 to -40 degrees are expected over the next few days. Extensive blowing and drifting of new snow across open and unsheltered areas will add additional travel hazards.

Wisconsin State Patrol responded to the following between 11 a.m. on 1/22 and 7 a.m. on 1/23:

Additional winter resources: