Several drivers hit hard in Kenosha County from winter storm

 

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The snow hit Kenosha County hard, forcing drivers to white-knuckle their steering wheels and slow down.

Blowing snow has been an issue and visibilities are down. That said, it's one of those nights where, if you don't have to go out, it's best to stay home.

This jackknifed semi, blocking two southbound lanes of I-94, slowed the evening commute through Kenosha County. Crews did what they could to get traffic moving again -- clear the scene and tow the semi.

"I was coming from the other way, so it didn't affect me at all," said Paul Belmont of Kenosha.

Scattered spinouts speckled Kenosha and Racine counties.

"We have had a couple of accidents, mostly just property damage accidents and people are just driving too fast for conditions. They're slipping off of the roadway, they're colliding with utility poles or just sliding off the roadway in general," said Kenosha police Lt. Joseph Nosalik.

Maurice Redditt's making his way home to Milwaukee from Illinois. We asked if he's seen any spin outs. He said yes.

"One, one pickup in a ditch," said Reddit.

We asked how it makes him feel driving past it. Redditt said, "Scary, very scary."

The Kenosha Street Department sent its entire fleet of 47 vehicles out just after 5 p.m., once snow totals hit two inches.

"So the City of Kenosha Street Department did get out prior to the storm arriving. They did start treating the roads with salt at our major intersections to try to alleviate some of those slippery spots, but by now those roads are snow covered," said Lt. Nosalik.

Police say if you're in a crash, even if it's minor, you should call 9-1-1, but expect response times to be slow.

"Visibility's definitely decreased, you know with the blowing snow that's around. It's just a nasty day to be out there," said Lt. Nosalik.

While the wet snow and cold wind have most people wishing it away, there are those who are fans.

"We should get more of it," said Paul Belmont of Kenosha, because he enjoys outdoor activities like snowmobiling.

We also met an ambulance driver who said they've been extra busy. Helicopters can't fly right now. So, ambulances are picking up those longer transports, and it's taking a long time to get to their destinations.