Friday’s weather turned parts of Kenosha into a winter wonderland, but the first measurable snowfall of the season took many drivers by surprise.
In less than two hours beginning at 9:18 a.m., the Pleasant Prairie Police Department responded to nine snow-related vehicle accidents, including a truck on 116th Street and 39th Street with a A school bus of 40 students on Main Street.
While there were no serious injuries reported in any of the incidents, many of which were “ordinary” single-vehicle incidents, Malik advised drivers to proceed with caution.
In winter conditions, even 35 mph may be too fast for the road, even with a 4WD vehicle, which he says may handle better, but still needs to be compared with any other vehicle Same time to stop.
“Get to work early and slow down,” says Malik. “Make sure you have good tires and make sure your phone has power.”
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He recommends keeping a winter emergency kit in the car, including extra gloves, hat, blanket and shovel. Also, after the accident, Malik said people should “take a deep breath” and assess the situation.
Jason Freitag, director of public works operations for Kenosha County, said they are expecting clearer weather Saturday, but that could change at any time. He also advises caution, especially around snowplows.
“Give us as much space as possible,” Freitag said. “It’s hard to see when a car is behind a truck, and drivers are working long hours.”
The county is divided into 42 sections, each with a plow, which meant about 42 trucks were on the roads clearing snow and spreading salt as of Friday, Freitag said. Between the state and county road salt reserves at the two sites, they have about 17,500 tons of salt at the start of winter, Frietag said.
Matt Holiner, chief meteorologist for Lee Enterprises, said he expects total snowfall in western Kenosha County to be about 3 inches, falling to about a half inch at the lake.
Residents are expecting light snow and rain Saturday, with an emphasis on rain due to slightly warmer temperatures, followed by a fairly dry and cloudy Sunday.
