Forecasters urge drivers to allow extra time during Wednesday morning Milwaukee commute due to slick roads
Freezing rain could result in slippery road conditions during the Wednesday morning commute in the Milwaukee area, according to the National Weather Service.
A wintry mix of rain, wet snow and freezing rain is possible across our northwest counties, especially as temperatures will hover near freezing through 7 a.m. While forecasters expect a minimal accumulation of precipitation, slippery roadways are still possible.
Temperatures will warm up after 7 a.m., ending chances of freezing wintry mix. Rain is expected further southwest, with an isolated thunderstorm possible near the Wisconsin and Illinois border, according to the NWS.
Authorities are already reporting multiple roadways in Milwaukee are partially covered as of 6:30 a.m., according to the Department of Transportation. From West Bend through Waukesha, road conditions appear to be slick. For the most up-to-date road conditions, visit 511wi.gov.
According to the NWS, mild temperatures continue through Friday with colder air arriving on Saturday as temperatures dip down into the mid-20s.
4:25 AM: Precip will continue to track across southern Wisconsin this morning, with activity gradually tapering after 9...
Posted by US National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Wisconsin on Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Here are some guidelines for driving on icy roads, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation:
Keep safe distances between snow plows and large trucks. Snow plows often leave a cloud of snow in their trail, so stay at least 200 feet behind any working plow to make sure your visibility isn't obscured. Also keep a safe distance behind trucks on the highway, since pieces of snow or ice can fly off the top of commercial vehicles driving fast.
Clear snow and ice from your vehicle's windows, roof, hood and front and rear lights. You can do this by warming up the car and then using a snow brush and ice scraper to clear the snow and ice.
Drive slowly, allowing extra travel time and leaving extra distance between vehicles. Most winter crashes and slide-offs are caused by drivers going too fast for the existing conditions, according to WisDOT.
Turn on your low-beam headlights. State law requires drivers to turn on their vehicle's low-beam headlights any time weather or other conditions make it difficult to see objects 500 feet ahead, WisDOT says.
Use brakes early and carefully. With anti-lock-brakes, use firm, steady pressure and gently steer. Never use cruise control in winter weather.
Watch out for bridge decks and overpasses. These areas can be especially slippery when the roads ice over.
RELATED: Here's what two different forecast models predict for spring 2025 in Wisconsin
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee weather: Slick roadways during Wednesday morning commute
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