Kenosha deputies deal with 131 cars in the ditch during storm

KENOSHA (WITI) -- Kenosha County Sheriff's deputies called in extra staff Tuesday night as they responded to 131 cars in the ditch, 54 property damage crashes and 7 personal injury crashes from 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 27th.

A blanket of heavy snow, packed tight and slick, while challenging for drivers was perfect for sledders in Kenosha's Washington Park.

"It's a fun time going sledding. We're having a day off of school because it's snowing," Riley Smith said.

Meanwhile, Mike De Fazio had work to do! He was busy clearing sewer drains, so when all the snow melts, it has somewhere to go.

"This stuff has got a lot of water and it is heavy work. We try to help each other out in the neighborhood. You get some satisfaction from that," De Fazio said.

Snow piles covered neighborhoods across Kenosha County -- the biggest messes found on the side roads.

Despite being plowed, roads were still snow-covered, lanes were hard to see and drivers ended up in ditches. Sheriff's officials continue to urge drivers to use caution and slow down.

"If you slam on the brakes or try to turn your wheel, you're going to end up somewhere you don't want to be," Kenosha Co. Sheriff's Sgt. Bill Beth said.

"Traffic is moving good.  As long as people aren`t driving foolishly, you`ll do alright," driver Brandon LaFave said.

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Past the giant piles, Rob Israel of Pleasant Prairie pushed his snowblower through nearly a foot of thick, heavy snow Tuesday evening -- though not without some difficulty.

"It's been extremely wet and heavy to the point where snowblowers are almost incapable of handle," Israel said.

Gutters were filled with snow, allowing water to pool on street corners.

Down the block, Israel's neighbor Noel Wilson was more concerned with the mess the plows left at the edge of his driveway.

"It's just what you expect here in Wisconsin. We all know how to drive in it, but sometimes we just don't want to take the time," Israel's neighbor said.

As Kenosha County continued to dig out Wednesday, the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office prepared for another night of helping people on the slick roads, saying deputies had seen 182 cars needing assistance over 18 hours.

Those in Racine County had their fair share of work as well -- even though Sally Merriman scraped by just fine.

"I only work a mile down the road so I've only gone back and forth," Merriman said.

Merriman and her husband, Harry Miller, like most others in Racine County had plenty of their own problems to worry about off the roads.

"We believe we got 12-13 inches overall and it's been quite the task and chore to get it all cleaned up," Merriman said.