Slippery conditions in southern Wisconsin
JANESVILLE
Drivers of just about every description, not the least of whom were newspaper carriers, have been having trouble getting around Rock County this morning because of standing water and rain on top of ice.
In Janesville, Canterbury Lane between Royal Road and Valley Drive, which is a hill, was closed because of slippery conditions. Public works trucks were being called to salt and sand hills in various other parts of the city.
Water on top of ice made for some of the most slippery conditions of the long and severe winter, and walking as well as driving was hazardous.
Standing water temporarily closed South Main Street between the Hedberg Public Library and Janesville Performing Arts Center, and many intersections in the city had deep puddles that were growing.
Carriers for The Janesville Gazette were having a difficult time making rural deliveries, and the circulation office was swamped with calls from subscribers who had not received their newspapers.
No serious accidents were reported as of 11:30 a.m., but many drivers had run off rural roads.
Many churches and several organizations canceled services and events. A list is available by clicking here.
The Sullivan Weather Service reported rain and/or freezing rain for all of Rock County and predicted heavy snow to start early this afternoon. In addition, the weather service issued flood warnings for urban areas and small streams in Walworth County until early this afternoon.
Most of the snow here was expected by early evening, but light snow could continue until midnight. Total accumulation for today is expected to be 2 to 6 inches.
Currently, temperatures are right at or just above the freezing point, and with the additional rain and lower temperatures expected, Rock County roads are expected to be icy and slippery.
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to minimize travel plans and be aware of today’s changing weather.
If you must drive, drive slowly and carefully.
Feb 18, 2008 at 4:57 p.m.
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newsreader: Yep I have went out and done that numerous times this winter. Even so our street is still an icy mess..
Feb 18, 2008 at 4:35 p.m.
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Not everyone can justify the added expense of instaling true WINTER grade tires but they do make an incredible difference in traction on ice. I bought some because I live ten miles from the nearest town and 25 miles from the church of my choice. I NEEDED tires that gave me an advantage and I found it in some General winter grade tires. I can take off with ease on wet, glare ice and stop as well. There is no comparison to "ALL SEASON" tires.
Plus, people should take it upon themselves to clear snow and slush away from the drains. That would make a big difference with how much ice can build up.
If the city could spread more sand on the streets it would give tires something to grip on and that would help too. Thank goodness conditions like that only happen once in awhile.
Cars with an automatic transmission are still being pushed when you are trying to stop. If the transmission is in drive the engine is still pushing the wheels. On glare ice try bumping the shifter into Neutral when trying to stop. That can make a difference.
Feb 17, 2008 at 3:02 p.m.
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They aren't kidding, I slid right past my driveway about 40 feet, and i was doin 10 m.p.h. as I came up on it.
Feb 17, 2008 at 1:05 p.m.
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Wish I could but the city missed plowing 7 foot of my road and I am not going to remove 7 feet with being 4 foot thick
Feb 17, 2008 at 12:50 p.m.
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It would help if everyone who check to see if the storm sewers in the street are clear, then clear them if not.
What a winter!
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