WAUSAU (WAOW) -
The state is preparing for a massive snow storm that is
heading to Wisconsin.
But how much snow you could get really depends on where you live.
Many road crews are hoping this is the last big snow storm
of the season, as the state braces for more winter weather. From Eau Claire to Madison, and
even Wausau, safety
officials say they're ready for anything.
The snow started on Monday evening in Eau Claire. The city is preparing for up to a
foot of snow. State patrol officials there are telling people to stay home
Tuesday if they can.
"The challenge last time was our secondary roads. So,
if you're coming in from the outlying area, really watch your secondary roads.
Just getting out of your neighborhood is probably going to be a challenge too,"
Wisconsin State Patrol Lt. Jeff Lorentz said.
In La Crosse,
the story is much the same. Crews there are waiting for the storm, and if
needed, they could declare a snow emergency.
"This is for public safety. That's the reason we do
this, so we can get the snow plow back to get emergency vehicles through. We've
had years past where the streets do become so narrow they can't get a fire
truck through," La Crosse Assistant Street Superintendent Andy Bakalars
said.
In Madison,
the snow is expected to start falling during the morning commute Tuesday.
"It's pretty much another day at the office for us,"
Iowa County Highway Commissioner Craig Hardy said.
Road crews say February was the fourth snowiest one on
record for the city of Madison.
"We've been stretched thin as the winter wears on as
far as staffing goes. Everybody's getting a little tired of it. But, when the
snow starts falling, they all show up and go to work," Hardy said.
In Wausau,
little snow is forecasted. But snowplows in Marathon County
will be ready anyway.
"If it snows across the whole county, we'd be looking at
putting 36 trucks out on the road, covering all the state and county roads,"
Marathon County Highway Department Operations Superintendent Dan Raczkowski said.
Marathon County highway officials say the warm temperatures
recently will make salting the roads easier, as Wisconsin
braces for another winter storm.
