LA CROSSE (WKBT) — When severe weather is on the way, the only thing you can do before it arrives is be prepared.
In Eau Claire, state and local officials are preparing for the worst.
“Snow rates are so dramatic at an inch per hour, we cannot keep up with that,” Eau Claire Highway Commissioner, John Johnson, said.
Johnson says because of a staffing shortage, every person in his department will be working 18 hours – the maximum number allowed.
“We’re anticipating with all of our staffing, that we’re going to exhaust that resource, with their ability to work that long,” Johnson said.
If the storm continues, some county roads in Eau Claire may not get plowed right away.
“The challenge with this event is, if it continues on, we will have significant levels of service reductions in certain areas where we don’t have people available,” Johnson said.
Wisconsin State Trooper Nathaniel Hausman says in severe winter weather, the possibility of a car crash increases.
“There was over 15,000 crashes between November and April,” Hausman said.
While snow plows head out, there are things drivers can do to keep everyone safe.
“One thing that viewers need to do, one thing that I expect the viewer to do, make sure you have a winter weather kit in your car,” News 8 Now Meteorologist, Erik Dean, said.
Trooper Hausman says a winter weather kit will keep you safe until help can arrive.
“Situations like what happened up in Jackson County last year, it can take us a long time to get to you so you might be stuck there for a couple of hours,” Hausman said.
Last December, snowy conditions resulted in a 50 vehicle crash on I-94 in Jackson County. Roughly 15 people were injured and many more spent hours waiting for help.
Dean says if you’re out on the road, drive slowly.
“No place is that important where you need to drive that fast in this kind of weather,” Dean said.
If you get stuck in the snow or are involved in a crash, the Wisconsin State Patrol says do not get out of your car to look for help. Officials say one of the best ways to stay safe is to remain in your car and wait for help to arrive. Officials also say if you can, stay home and wait for the storm to pass.
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