Winter Weather
Kewaunee Co Sheriff's Dept Weather Center (external link)
Wisconsin Winter Road Conditions (WI DOT) (external link)
Winter Driving Info from WI Dept of Transportation (external link)
Wisconsin Travel Info www.511wi.gov (external link)
It is updated every 30 minutes.
Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) is going to post this on the WEM and ReadyWI website It takes information from the states 511 system combined with information from the NWS.
Avoid Overexertion
Use caution when shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to chills and hypothermia.
At Home & At Work
Have available: Flashlight & extra batteries; Battery-powered NOAA weather radio & commercial radio; Extra food & water. High energy food, or food that requires no cooking is best; First aid supplies; Emergency heating source, such as a fireplace or space heater - make sure you have proper ventilation.
In Vehicles
Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm. If you must travel, check & winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins; carry a winter storm survival kit that includes: blankets/sleeping bags, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, knife, high calorie and non-perishable food, extra clothing to keep dry, sand or cat litter, shovel, windshield scraper and brush, tool kit and booster cables; keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
Watches & Warnings
The National Weather Service issues outlooks, warnings, watches and advisories for all winter weather hazards.
Winter Storm Outlook: Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2-5 days. Stay tuned to local media for updates.
Winter Storm Watch: Winter storm conditions (heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain) are possible within the next 36-48 hours. Keep monitoring the weather forecast.
Winter Storm Warning: A significant winter storm or hazardous winter weather is occurring or will begin within the next 24 hours. Take necessary precautions.
Blizzard Warning: Winds that are at least 35 mph or greater, blowing snow that will frequently reduce visibility to 1/4 mile or less for a duration of at least 3 hours, and dangerous wind chills are expected in the area.
Exposure
Exposure to winter weather can become life-threatening. Here are some conditions to be aware of:
Frostbite: Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by freezing of the tissue. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, earlobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately. If you must wait for help, slowly re-warm affected areas.
Hypothermia: Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops too low. Warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If a person's temperature is below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 C), seek medical care immediately. If medical care is not available, begin warming the person slowly. Get them into dry clothing and wrap them in a warm blanket, covering the head and neck. Do not give them hot beverages or food; warm broth is better. Do not warm extremities (arms and legs) first. This drives the cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure.
Overexertion: Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.
Pet Care: When temperatures fall, pets need extra care. Bring pets inside when temperatures reach 30 degrees with wind chill. Dogs and cats can get frostbitten ears, nose and feet if left outside. Outdoor dogs need a dry, elevated house, with clean, dry bedding and a flap over the opening to keep drafts out. Make sure water bowls are not frozen. Chemicals used to melt snow can irritate pets' paws. Be sure to keep antifreeze, salt and other household poisons away from pets.