MONROE — The first winter storm warning in 2024 for the area has come, and a pair of systems is expected to dump more than a foot of snow across the region.
Wind Chill
The NWS Wind Chill Temperature (WCT) index uses advances in science, technology, and computer modeling to provide an accurate, understandable, and useful formula for calculating the dangers from winter winds and freezing temperatures. The index does the following:
■ Calculates wind speed at an average height of 5 feet, the typical height of an adult human face, based on readings from the national standard height of 33 feet, which is the typical height of an anemometer
■ Is based on a human face model
■ Incorporates heat transfer theory based on heat loss from the body to its surroundings, during cold and breezy/windy days
■ Lowers the calm wind threshold to 3 mph
■ Uses a consistent standard for skin tissue resistance
■ Assumes no impact from the sun, i.e., clear night sky
For more information, go to https://www.weather.gov/
safety/cold-wind-chill-chart.
“It looks like (Tuesday) will be a great day to stay where you are but use all of the tools available to us these days to monitor the weather and driving conditions,” Green County Sheriff Jeff Skatrud said. “Reduction in speed and increasing spacing between vehicles are the most important winter driving practices, due to stopping power being impossible to predict.”
The first storm was slated to begin overnight from Monday into Tuesday and then come to an end early Wednesday morning. An estimated 6-12 inches of snow is expected locally.
Area sporting events began canceling games already on Monday. Among the other cancellations and postponements, the school districts of Monroe, Juda and Black Hawk, among others, canceled class for Tuesday, and the Green County Board of Supervisors meeting was postponed a full day.
“The forecasts out to the end of a week stay on the radar, but decisions are made very near or at the start of the event. When possible we will notify the night before, but often decisions must be made the morning of based on timing of the weather event,” Monroe Superintendent Rodney Figueroa told the Times in an email. “When we need to make a morning decision, we, Ron and I, go out on the roads early enough to make a determination before 6:00 a.m. We have to consider, even when the city of Monroe may be safer for travel on the roadways, many of our families live outside of the city and may experience drifting and other road hazards less prevalent in town.”
Figueroa said he and the district have been receiving regular updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) out of Milwaukee/Sullivan for the past week. They had an early afternoon virtual meeting on Monday, where they made the decision for a snow day.
“There is much more that goes into the decision than expected. Seldom is it a cut and dry yes or no,” Figueroa said.
The NWS issued Winter Storm Watches for nearly all of southern Wisconsin on Sunday, Jan. 7, which was then upgraded to Winter Storm Warnings the following day. The warning runs until 3 a.m. on Jan. 10.
“Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute,” the NWS said in its public notice of the warning. “Slow down and use caution while traveling. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5-1-1.”
Green County will also be under a tow ban for Jan. 9-10. The highway department made the announcement via an Emergency Management Alert on Jan. 8.
What is the Polar Vortex?
The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles. It ALWAYS exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter. The term “vortex” refers to the counter-clockwise flow of air that helps keep the colder air near the Poles. Many times during winter in the northern hemisphere, the polar vortex will expand, sending cold air southward with the jet stream (see graphic above). This occurs fairly regularly during wintertime and is often associated with large outbreaks of Arctic air in the United States. The one that occurred January 2014 is similar to many other cold outbreaks that have occurred in the past, including several notable colder outbreaks in 1977, 1982, 1985 and 1989.
There are several things the polar vortex is NOT. Polar vortexes are not something new. The term “polar vortex” has only recently been popularized, bringing attention to a weather feature that has always been present. It is also not a feature that exists at the Earth’s surface. Weather forecasters examine the polar vortex by looking at conditions tens of thousands of feet up in the atmosphere; however, when we feel extremely cold air from the Arctic regions at Earth’s surface, it is sometimes associated with the polar vortex. This is not confined to the United States. Portions of Europe and Asia also experience cold surges connected to the polar vortex. By itself, the only danger to humans is the magnitude of how cold temperatures will get when the polar vortex expands, sending Arctic air southward into areas that are not typically that cold.
In short, there is no cause to be alarmed when you hear about the polar vortex, but you should be prepared for colder temperatures. Check the forecast for your area on weather.gov to ensure you are dressed appropriately. It is also a good idea to check the items in your home and car emergency kits at the beginning of each winter season to ensure you are prepared for any type of hazardous winter weather.
— National Weather Service
“The Highway Department is recommending a Tow Ban effective from 6 a.m. Tuesday the 9th until 6 a.m. Wednesday the 10th. Individuals that get stuck during these hours should plan on vehicle recovery after 6 a.m. Wednesday. It is recommended if you don’t have to travel Tuesday that you don’t and if you have to travel please drive with caution and plan on delays,” the alert said.
“The national weather service is calling for up to 9 to 12 inches of wet snow with winds starting out of the east at 35 MPH,” the alert continued. “The storm is expected to continue throughout the day on Tuesday with drifting expected. Green County puts up over 40 miles of snow fence for blowing and drifting snow but we only protect the roads from winds coming from the north and west so with winds from the east one can expect drifting snow especially on north/south roadways.”
The Green Highway Department will have a 24-hour plow service on State Wis. 69 and portions of Wis. 11. There will be two plow trucks on these roads, but they will also be available for emergencies like ambulance and fire calls as needed throughout the county.
On Friday, Jan. 12, another strong storm is expected, with a potential snowfall of between 4-8 inches of snow, bringing total accumulations for the week to more than a foot of snow.
“Another winter storm is possible on Friday and Saturday, but plenty of uncertainty remains for how that system will trend,” the NWS said in a Hazardous Weather Outlook statement on Jan. 8.
With between 1-2 feet of snow on the ground in short order, despite cleanup efforts, the roads could remain slick. Blustery winds will only worsen the effect, leading to drifting and spotty coverings of roadways, which in turn could lead to vehicles sliding off the road and travelers getting stranded. Skatrud hopes those that do take to the roads use extra precautions.
“Based on past experiences, all of our emergency crews will be in high demand and a response to any call could likely take much longer than normal, based on call volume and driving conditions,” Skatrud said. “So, if our motoring public can keep themselves in a position where they don’t need emergency services, this would be the day for that. If folks do find themselves stuck or they slid off road, stay in their vehicle. It’s a much safer place to be then out on foot and in the path of another vehicle that very well could have very little if any control as they approach you.”
To make matters worse, an Arctic blast will descend upon much of the United States following Friday’s storms, bringing frigid, likely below-zero temperatures. From Sunday through Tuesday, Jan. 14-16, highs will be in the single digits with lows below zero. Wind chills will make the air feel much colder, however, with high temps more than 10-degrees below zero, and lows dipping deeper to as much as 26-below or worse.
“Below freezing high wind chill timing decisions are considered around 30-35 below zero,” Figueroa said. “It is good to be aware, parents always have the ability to keep their children home if they feel it is not safe for them to travel to school due to conditions near their home even if we are in session.”
Tracking models suggest temperatures should return to near-normal temperatures by Jan. 20.
According to ReadyWisconsin, a part of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, weather forecasts can change quickly. Stay informed about current and expected weather conditions by following the local NWS office and other trusted sources for updates, such as a local news station. Get a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio and use it to get updates.
For more tips on getting ready for winter weather, visit the ReadyWisconsin website at https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/be-informed/winter-storms/.
Winter Storm Safety
Learn how to stay safe during a blizzard and how to prevent or thaw frozen pipes
Winter storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, sleet, heavy snowfall, ice, and high winds. These storms can cause transportation, heat, power, and communication disruptions. They also can close schools, stores, and workplaces.
Winters are getting warmer and shorter because of climate change. But, because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, heavier snowfalls are more likely to occur.
We can take action to prepare. Prepare now to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home.
Take immediate precautions if you hear these words on the news:
Winter Storm WARNING: Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours.
Blizzard WARNING: Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 miles per hour or greater, plus considerable falling or blowing snow reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile, expected to prevail for three hours or longer.
Other winter storm words to listen for:
WIND CHILL Temperature: How cold people and animals feel when outside. As wind increases, heat is carried away from your body at a faster rate, driving down your body temperature and making you feel much colder. The wind chill temperature is not the actual temperature but rather how wind and cold feel on exposed skin.
Winter Storm OUTLOOK: Winter storm conditions possible in the next two to five days. Stay tuned to local media for updates.
Winter Storm WATCH: Winter storm conditions possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. Review your winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.
Winter Weather ADVISORY: Winter weather conditions expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous but not life-threatening if you are cautious.
— From the American Red Cross