MONROE — First, we dealt with a weekend of snow squalls, with a major hit of about 6 inches regionally on Friday into Saturday. More snow arrived the next day.
And then came the cold. The polar vortex, soul-sucking, life-threatening cold.
Wednesday this week was expected to remain frigid, with cloudy skies and temperatures between 8°F during the day and -3°F at night. By Thursday, it will be a bit more bearable, with sunshine and a high of 16°F, though it will still be quite cold. Friday will bring slightly warmer temperatures, reaching 22°F with a low of 12°F, but will remain chilly.
The snow has largely been cleared from main highways, in Monroe and Darlington; and along county roads, officials said.
“We definitely had some slide-offs and minor crashes but thankfully no major injuries,” said Green County Sheriff Cody Kanable.
Saturday will stay cold, with a high of 23°F and a low of 18°F, although the sun will peek through at times. But finally, on Sunday, Monroe will experience a mix of sun and clouds, with temperatures reaching 32°F during the day and a low of 28°F at night.
Lafayette County also saw its share of slide-offs and mishaps. At about 10:21 a.m., a deputy responded to U.S. 151 for vehicle off in the ditch Saturday.
A Lafayette deputy, also responded Saturday to Wis. 78, Wiota Township for a one-vehicle accident. Pearl V. Wurtzbacher, 20, Gratiot lost control of her vehicle and struck a pole. No injuries were reported. Wurtzbacher’s 2016 Honda received disabling damage and was towed from the scene.
In other winter-related crashes, a deputy responded to County M, Wiota Township for a snowmobile accident. Justin L. Myers, 36, Cross Plains lost control of his snowmobile and left the trail which caused the snowmobile to roll over. Myers was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Woodford First and Argyle EMS assisted on scene.
Myers was cited for Operating Snowmobile in Careless Manner and Operating Snowmobile without Safety Certificate.
The cold makes it tough for deputies and pedestrians alike, and as a result, Kanable and other sheriff’s do relax their department uniform standards a bit to allow for more layers, and face coverings. And he urges his deputies in frigid weather to avoid prolonged exposure at accident, crime, and other scenes.
In Green County, there are no fully operating warming shelters to take people in, although the library is a good place to stay warm during its regular hours. Experts warn the cold can be deadly serious and it does not take long to get into trouble.
They urge people to find families, friends, and churches to try to help them out especially in smaller communities lacking dedicated warming shelters or homeless shelters.
“We’re just a phone call away,” Kanable said, referring to anyone who is homeless or in desperate straits outside, who needs help locating shelter.
The Wisconsin DOT offers the following winter driving tips:
● Before heading out, learn the latest about highway conditions and incidents by visiting 511wi.gov. Let others know about your planned route 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.
● Turn on your vehicle’s low-beam headlights. This helps you see what is 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 or 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 wintry 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.
● Be mindful of your location using crossroads, mileposts or key landmarks. If you do become stranded, you will be better prepared to describe your location for law enforcement or tow truck operators.