Winter Weather — Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin

2009-01-03 to 2009-01-04 · Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin

Wider weather episode

Light freezing rain spread across south-central and southeast Wisconsin during the overnight hours of January 3rd. Ice accumulations on road and sidewalks ranged from 1/10 to 2/10 of an inch, but there were some isolated 1/4 inch amounts. However, ice accumulations on trees and fences were minimal. Some light snow and sleet, with accumulations of less than an inch, occurred at the end of this winter weather event. This frezzing rain event had a large impact on society - in the form of thousands of vehicle accidents, and hundreds of people seeking medical treatment at hospitals. The media reported that vehicles slid off roads, rolled over, or slid backwards down hills. There were several reports of semi-tractor trailers jackknifing. A 7-year-old boy died (indirect) in a 2-vehicle accident near the intersection of STH 151 and CTH S southwest of Beaver Dam in Dodge County. Five other people were injured (indirect). It was reported that the vehicles were driving too fast for the icy road conditons. Two people were injured (indirect) in a 2-vehicle accident northeast of Janesville on STH 26 (Rock Co.). In Green County, the Sheriff Department noted that 6 people were injured (indirect) in various vehicle accidents. In Madison (Dane Co.), 177 people needed medical treatment at 3 hospitals due to falling on icy surfaces. In Fond du Lac County, at least 60 people fell on icy surfaces and required medical treatement. No doubt, many other people elsewhere in South-central and Southeast Wisconsin were injured in falls on ice surfaces. Synoptically, low pressure moved from the Southern Plains to Missouri to Northern Illinois to Lower Michigan.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 152139. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.