How can you weather the storm?
JANESVILLE — Here it comes. It'll be big and bad and a great reason to stay home.
Imagine the heavy rain from a thunderstorm. Then turn the rain to snow. That's how it might be. Add 20 mph winds.
No ice storm, as was forecast last night. But who knows?
"I can say with the utmost confidence that this forecast is going to morph several times today," said veteran weather watcher John Whitcomb, operations director for the city public works department. It's his job on days like these to oversee plowing in the city.
With that in mind, here's what you need to know about tonight's storm:
The forecast
The National Weather Service says there are no ifs. It will snow tonight.
It could start earlier in the west, but not until nighttime to east, maybe 10 p.m. in Janesville.
Widespread blowing snow could be heavy at times tonight. Some areas could experience thunder and heavy downpours. Accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are expected, with another 1 to 3 inches as the storm continues into the daylight hours Friday.
There's a 40 percent chance of snow on Saturday morning, maybe an inch, with a high of 29. Snow likely Saturday night with accumulations of 1 to 3 inches.
Sunday, you guessed it, a 60 percent chance of snow, with blowing snow in some areas. Snow chances taper off Sunday night.
Sunshine is expected to return Monday, but it will be cold.
Parking rules
Janesville will declare a snow emergency, Whitcomb predicted. That means all vehicles must be removed from streets and public parking lots until snow plowing ends. Violators may be ticketed.
The city provides parking stalls in six downtown parking lots for those who have no place to put their cars. Park only in the stalls marked for emergencies. For more information, go to the city's Web site, www.ci.janesville.wi.us or call (608) 755-SNOW. To report problems or concerns, call 755-3110.
More snow emergency information will be posted on GazetteXtra.com as it becomes available.
Plowing plans
Whitcomb asks for patience. Only the major arteries will be plowed during the storm. Crews will have their hands full with just those streets if the storm comes through as predicted.
Plowing the entire city, once the storm ends, might take longer than the typical 10 hours for a lighter snow, Whitcomb said.
"It's going to be bad out there, and if you don't have to be out, I wouldn't be out," Whitcomb said.
Keeping posted
Don't call the 911 center for information unless you have no radio, no Internet and no other way to find out, said Lt. Jude Maurer of the Rock County Sheriff's Office.
Don't call the Janesville School District, which needs its phone lines open, too.
Check the radio news or GazetteXtra.com today for updates on snow emergencies and closings, including the possibility that after-school events that might be canceled tonight.
The Janesville School District will not decide whether to close school Friday until early Friday morning, said Superintendent Tom Evert.
If you like to know more than they're telling you on radio and TV, check out the Web site for the National Weather Service at Sullivan, www.crh.noaa.gov/mkx. You can click on the map and get a forecast for your part of the county, which can be different than for Aunt Mabel just 30 miles away.
And if you're the show-me type, you can watch the action live on the Internet through those new cameras they've posted on Interstate 90/39 in Rock County. There's a link at www.wclo.com/traffic/cams. For statewide road conditions, check out www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/road/index.htm or dial 511. Some cell phone providers will require you to call 1-866-511-9472.
Stocking up
Consider that it may not be safe to leave your home for 12 or more hours. Now is the time—before the storm hits—to get your milk and bread and other items, such as salt and shovels and snow blower supplies.
Deputies on alert
The Rock County Sheriff's Office has a new snow emergency plan, brought about by last winter's massive traffic jam on I-90/39.
The sheriff already has declared a Level 3, which means the department has canceled deputies' time off through Saturday.
A Level 2 declaration is probable. That means warning signs would be posted on the northern and southern ends of I-90/39, and two extra deputies would be added to each shift. Other preparations are made.
Level 1 is declared if the snow is greater than 12 inches, there's a traffic delay of more than six hours, or other conditions warrant, Maurer said.
Deputies would work 12-hour shifts under Level 1. The emergency operations center would be opened. Local snowmobile clubs that have volunteered would be alerted to evacuate stranded motorists. The Red Cross might be called on. Other law enforcement agencies, including the DNR, could be asked to supply ATVs or snowmobiles.
Dec 29, 2008 at 12:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
Armyof3, I know you can recognize sarcasm when you see it? I will assume you were not "reading between the lines." It does prove a point though...we are so used to "junk science" being cited no one even thinks to question it. Fifty Million People sick from second hand smoke, cm'on...someone should have questioned that. If we keep on accepting all this "junk science", you will be amazed at the freedom we will continue to lose. California is a perfect example, I would NEVER live there.
Dec 20, 2008 at 9:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
LOL Army, I was thinking "Jingle bombs" But I'm game!
Dec 20, 2008 at 9:20 a.m.
Suggest removal
lol!! anyone game for singing "Road Kill Christmas"?? ;)
Dec 19, 2008 at 9:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
First Jeff Dunham comment I have ever seen here!
Silence! (fill in the rest)
Dec 19, 2008 at 9:20 p.m.
Suggest removal
I weathered the storm by fixing a bunch of korbel and 7's.
Dec 19, 2008 at 3 p.m.
Suggest removal
anotheropinion: since when does smoking have anything to do with winter and snow in WI or a comparative retrospect thereof... if you're unhappy with those habits, move to CA for the following reasons: 1) you're away from those that do smoke, seeing how it irritates you as much as it does; 2) So. CA gets next to no snow!!! you wouldn't have to shovel, and work/school would be cancelled if you got even an inch on the ground...
.
as for me, I'm happy being a "frozen dumb a**" (Jeff Dunham - Spark Of Insanity)
Dec 19, 2008 at 2:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
I saw two people smoking in front of the mall today. When will this stop? 6 people will die this second from second hand smoke. While I am writing this, 50,000,000 people worldwide have contracted chronic pulmonary disfunction from second hand smoke. Every puff you inhale will kill 3.2 endangered species. Think about this. Wisconsin is a white covered ashtray.
Pass the ban now!
Dec 19, 2008 at 2:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
lol... if we had the means to have taken our snow blower with us, believe me, we would have... funny thing is that the wife had the same thought I did (I almost wound up in a snow bank)... it was fun to joke about... what will be interesting is when she brings her son home on sunday (50/50 placement with her ex husband)... if anything, hook the dog up to the boy's sled, wife will sit on it to add more weight and stability for the him, and let the dog pull... it's a riot, but tons of fun!!!
Dec 19, 2008 at 1:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
Only 90 days until spring!! :)
Dec 19, 2008 at 1:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
LOL Army... Yeah it is beginning to look like something all right... How about one big massive mountain of snow?? I guess for fun we could hop to the top and slide down for all of 3 seconds and then do it again?? :)
Are you sure you didn't go swipe my snow blower? Sure sounds like it. Not that I would care, I fight with it every time I try to use it. I always end up shoveling in order to keep what sanity I have left. I am sure that one of these days the neighbors are gonna call 911 to report that I am beating the crap out of it, poor defenseless snow blower!!
Very proud of you for not throwing the wife into the snowbank, that had to take alot of self control, eh?? Hee hee Nice of you to take care of mom-in-law!
Dec 19, 2008 at 1:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
*singing* it's beginning to look a lot like christmas... elemental & nc: glad you both made it to work ok...
.
fun one was having to do my mother-in-law's driveway... she works up in the madison area... she "shoveled/snowblowed(with a blower that clogs after a foot's distance)" @ about 3am... she still got stuck in her driveway getting out curtiousy of our city's plowing efforts... they've come down her street since then (which must be nice, seeing how we had to plow through the snow that never got plowed on our block)... an hour and a half later (and me almost playfully throwing the wife in a massive snowbank), we finally got it done just so that she (mother-in-law) wouldn't have to worry about getting stuck again...
Dec 19, 2008 at 12:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
ncpanfan - yeah I still work there however I get still get lunch breaks and as long as I'm doing something evil like harrassing the ex, the "boss" lets me go off campus.
.
I'm glad you made it work safely too! Happy holidays.
Dec 19, 2008 at 11:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
Oh and yes isn't it nice when people lend a hand even if they don't know you!! Wish more people were like that!
Dec 19, 2008 at 11:41 a.m.
Suggest removal
Elemental? What are you doing here? I thought you told me you had a position somewhere warm selling fans on the black market?? LOL
Maybe it was fated that you get stuck there to bombard the ex with snowballs?? : )
Hey I just wanted to let you know that something good happened and you said I could come to you. I made it to work safely this morning!! And even though hubby was informed that he will not have a job as of June :( he sent out resumes and got a couple of responses!! :) I am keeping the faith that all will turn out well!!
Have a safe trip to Florida and wonderful holidays!!
Dec 19, 2008 at 11:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
I got stuck not once but TWICE this morning, because apparently the snowplows don't cover all the side streets in this city. Nice! The second time I got stuck was just outside my ex-husband's house. Talk about hell on Earth!
.
What I really love, though, is when the chips are down and you get stuck in the snow, there is no limit to the amount of people that come out of the woodwork to lend a hand out here in WI. So many people that lived nearby and guys in trucks that drove past all at least stopped to offer to help me get out, and they never ask for anything in return.
.
I'm leaving for Florida tonight for 8 days but with my luck they'll have some freak snowfall down there. Pfft!
Dec 19, 2008 at 7:19 a.m.
Suggest removal
What a fun ride to work. I had a hoot!...in my truck. Nothing better than a big 'ol storm before Christmas. Ho, ho, ho.
Dec 19, 2008 at 6:43 a.m.
Suggest removal
Today, just try to take it slow and easy.
Dec 18, 2008 at 10:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
Not snow!!!! In Wisconsin??? Who would have thought?
Dec 18, 2008 at 10:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
I just did the math from the nat'l weather service website....14-22 inches through sun with another storm tuesday!!!
Dec 18, 2008 at 9:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
Everyone who doesn't need to go out, please stay home. You'd be better warm and safe. For those of you who have to go out be safe.
Dec 18, 2008 at 6:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
sunny 74 today, hung the wreath today, shorts, tee shirt and sandles!!!! 10 day forecast looks the same!!! you should move out of the north... it is beautiful in the warmer climate!!! cheaper taxes too...........wouldn't return to janesville for nothing on this earth.
Dec 18, 2008 at 6:20 p.m.
Suggest removal
You the man, bill! A brisk 54 here today. burrrr Beautiful snow on the mountains, and it can stay there. 8 inches on the ground 60 miles away in Searchlight at 2500 feet. Never has snowed here, never will. But in that you probably don't believe in global warming, I could be wrong. Happy Holidays, and don't break those snowblowers.
Dec 18, 2008 at 6:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
LET IT SNOW! Oh yeah baby I am gonna enjoy this!
Dec 18, 2008 at 6:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
I will be taking orders for snowballs. Starting tonight at midnight. Ten cents each, or three for a quarter.
Dec 18, 2008 at 6:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
oldtimer..... its too bad we will not be around to see any of the end results. Also, I saw on the weather channel that Las Vegas Has just recieved 3 inches of snow as well. Their all time new record. What happens next??? Snow in Miami!!!!
Dec 18, 2008 at 4:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
Lol...I'm excited. Stay safe everyone.
Dec 18, 2008 at 4:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
my God -- how will we ever weather 6-10 inches of snow?
Dec 18, 2008 at 3:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
"Don't call the 911 center for information unless you have no radio, no Internet and no other way to find out"
For those of us who do own a radio, just in case our Internet goes down, it would have been nice if the article mentioned a couple of radio station frequencies, such as:
WBCR 90.3 FM Beloit College
.
WSJY 107.3 FM Fort Atkinson
.
WFAW 940 AM Fort Atkinson
.
WGEZ 1490 AM Beloit
.
WEKZ 93.7 FM Green County
.
WKPO 105.9 FM Evansville
.
Anyone happen to know of any other local radio stations?
:)
Dec 18, 2008 at 3:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
I seen a show on the history channel describing this "because the earth is slowly tipping on its axis"
Dec 18, 2008 at 3:20 p.m.
Suggest removal
1919eternal, snow in New Orleans. just wanted to share something with you my science teacher HS 1943 told us, he said if we could all live long enough you would see climate change the northern hemisphere will become the southern hemisphere and visa versa because the earth is slowly tipping on its axis. he also said we would have a man on the moon in our lifetime. It makes sense to me.
Dec 18, 2008 at 1:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
I second that ... drive safe and SLOW DOWN!! Don't want to be dead for the holidays :(
Dec 18, 2008 at 1:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
Welcome to the end of the world!!!! Anyone who believes the whole "global warming" bit should be drug out behind the shed and have you know what done to them!!!! Global warming is something all of our so called "honest politicians" thought up. Look where we are now. Want some interesting reading go to : www.iceagenow.com. its some fun reading. When New Orleans get 3 inches of snow you know somethings out of whack.
Dec 18, 2008 at 1:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
People just drive safe use extra caution, slow down before you get to an intersection and watch out for others. May everyone have a safe and Happy Holidays
Dec 18, 2008 at 10:58 a.m.
Suggest removal
holy Sh** I am lucky I own a full-size 4x4 that can go though anything. I will be buying a snowblower tonight
Dec 18, 2008 at 10:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
I wonder if NVgrf will post a gloating remark or two about our weather and the paradise he moved to so that he can taunt those of us he left behind. I think he may be home today because he brags about throwing away his shovels 4 years ago and this morning he has 4 inches of wet, heavy snow that he can't move out of his way. Maybe he's without power or could he be trapped at a casino, penniless and stranded. So many humorous images come to mind.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.