Feb. 24, 2019 – Washington Co., WI – High winds and whiteout conditions are making for hazardous travel in areas north of Washington and neighboring Fond du Lac Counties.
Authorities are reporting a significant accident with a huge backup on I-41 southbound near Neenah. Early reports indicate hundreds of cars are backed up past Appleton.
The Wisconsin DOT said the accident is to the north of I-41 around Highway G.
It is reportedly a multiple-vehicle accident with several calls for Jaws of Life. Possibly up to 40 cars involved.
Motorists are advised to exit at Breezewood Lane.
A bit closer to home in Fond du Lac County there were multiple rescue vehicles on scene around 11 a.m. after several cars slid off the road on I-41 northbound just north of Hwy 67.
The trickiest part of driving today is the road will seem clear and traffic speeds up and then high winds will push a steady stream of snow over the guardrail at unexpected points causing drifting onto the roads and making for dangerous whiteout conditions and difficult driving.
Motorists are urged to drive with caution and leave plenty of space between you and the next driver. Headlights are also a must.
According to the National Weather Service there is a High Wind Warning in effect until 9:00 PM CST.
…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING…
A High Wind Warning remains in effect until 9 PM CST this evening.
* WINDS…West to northwest winds 25 to 35 MPH, with gusts of 50 to 60 MPH. The strongest winds will be from middle to late morning through the afternoon hours.
* IMPACTS…Strong winds today into this evening will cause trash cans and other unsecured objects to be blown around. Some tree and minor structural damage is possible, with scattered power outages. Driving will be especially difficult on north to south oriented roads. Blowing snow may cause some slick spots.
* CURRENT CONDITIONS…As of 10 am west winds are 20 to 30 mph gusting 45 to 52 mph. Highest gusts are in southwest Wisconsin and far eastern Wisconsin.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage.
