"It's been nuts:" FOX6 rides along with tow truck driver as winter storm creates issues for drivers
OZAUKEE COUNTY -- On Monday, December 28th we saw just our second winter storm in southeastern Wisconsin this season -- and for many, each year, the return to winter means re-learning how to drive in the snow and ice. FOX6 News spent the day with a tow truck driver, who ended up being called out to the same area over and over again.
The winter storm brought snow, sleet and freezing rain to southeastern Wisconsin on Monday. A Winter Storm Warning took effect on Monday morning, and will remain in effect until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday.
The snow was expected to switch to sleet/freezing rain, before switching back to snow before this was all said and done.
On Monday morning, Paul Krauska and his son Brandon were in the thick of it.
"It's been a little nuts. As soon as we pull one out, another one goes in," Krauska said.
Towing vehicles in Ozaukee County during winter storm on Monday, December 28th
Krauska said the snow blew in on Monday morning -- and drivers didn't slow down.
"So far we`ve had about five cars go in," Krauska said.
Several vehicles hit the ditch on the same stretch of I-43 near Arrowhead Road in Ozaukee County on Monday.
Krauska worked as fast as he could as southbound traffic moved around him.
Towing vehicles in Ozaukee County during winter storm on Monday, December 28th
"Sometimes when the car is in the median, you`re in the median -- so while you`re working, you`ve got to keep one ear here and one eye there," Krauska said.
Badly damaged vehicles were then towed to a repair shop in Saukville.
"This guy hit the cable that ripped off his front bumper," Krauska said.
Towing vehicles in Ozaukee County during winter storm on Monday, December 28th
Krauska says in winter, drivers should be sure their tires are in tip-top shape in order to potentially avoid a tow fee and the cost of repairs. Tires with good tread means you'll be able to get better traction on slick roadways.
Krauska said he was expecting more calls as darkness fell in southeastern Wisconsin -- as the precipitation wasn't expected to let up until Tuesday morning.
Towing vehicles in Ozaukee County during winter storm on Monday, December 28th