They said it would snow—and it did. Just not quite as much as predicted.
Cancelling school and the Library Christmas Party after predictions, the underperforming snowstorm of Dec. 19 was initially forecast at several inches, a prediction that played out at LaCrosse and Rochester, Minnesota, but not locally.
Blowing in from the west Thursday, the storm saw around two inches of snow in the Stanley-Boyd area, as temperatures locally ranged from a low of 13 degrees Fahrenheit to a high of 22 degrees Fahrenheit.
The freezing temperatures contributed to slick road conditions, an accident on Highway 29 between Stanley and Boyd seeing a semi jackknife into the median, but without EMS transport. “I don’t think anyone was transported,” Boyd-Edson-Delmar Fire and EMS Chief Ron Patten said, adding that Stanley Fire had also not been called out.
Stanley Police Sergeant Adam Keuchenmeister confirmed the accident.
“We only had one on the highway yesterday,” he said Friday. Chief responding agency to the Dec. 19 accident at mile marker 98 was the State Patrol, the report not ready at press time. With winter temperatures and snowy roads making for hazardous driving conditions, here are some tips from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for safe driving this holiday season:
• Before heading out, learn the latest about highway conditions and incidents by visiting 511wi.gov. Let others know about your planned route (in severe weather) and expected arrival time. Fully charge your cell phone.
• Clear snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows, front and rear lights, roof and hood. Ensure everyone is buckled up.
Take it slow. Allow extra travel time and following distance. most winter crashes and slide offs are caused by drivers going too fast for the existing conditions. Remember, posted speed limits apply to ideal driving conditions.
• Turn on your vehicle’s low-beam headlights. This helps you see what’s ahead, and helps other drivers see you. State law requires drivers to turn on their vehicle’s low-beam headlights any time that weather or other conditions make it difficult to see objects 500 feet ahead.
• Sudden braking and steering can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Use brakes early and carefully. With anti-lock brakes (ABS), use firm, steady pressure and gently steer. Never use cruise control in wintery weather.
• Don’t be overconfident in your four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle. All vehicles require additional time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
• Remember that bridge decks/overpasses can be especially slippery, even when adjacent pavements are in good travel condition.
• Watch for snowplows. Stay at least 200 feet behind a working plow and use extra caution if you decide to pass. Plows often create a cloud of snow that can obscure visibility, and road conditions ahead of the plow are likely worse.
• Keep a safe distance behind large trucks. Along with obscuring your view of the road ahead, pieces of snow or ice can blow off the top of commercial trucks as they travel down the highway.
• Winter storm advisories/warnings are routinely posted on Dynamic Message Signs along major highway corridors. Heed this information and drive accordingly. Winter storm events often have moderate to significant traffic impacts.
•Be mindful of your location using crossroads, mileposts, or key landmarks. If you do become stranded, you’ll be better prepared to describe your location for law enforcement or tow truck operators.
Winter has its challenges. Following the above tips helps ensure safer roads as we head towards spring—it will come.