After long absence, winter returns

Until Jan. 12, Wisconsin had experienced a winter filled with record-high temperatures, rain and in some cases green grass. But after two straight days of snow totaling more than four inches in most areas, it appears winter has finally arrived.

Before Green Bay's first major snowstorm this winter, Mother Nature had fooled many into believing spring had sprung. Instead of the usual winter activities Wisconsinites enjoy in January, golf courses reopened, motorcyclists hit the road and it wasn't uncommon to see people sporting shorts or even sandals on days near 50 degrees.

According to Scott Berschback, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Green Bay, Wisconsin's lack of significant snow totals is the cause of polar and subtropical jet streams, which cause winter storms when they interact.

"The two streams didn't interact enough until mid-January to bring snow to our area, and when they did interact here and there before that we experienced only cold air or light snow," Berschback said. "We've been spoiled with a lot of snow and winter storms the last three or four years, but when the streams don't interact, we're left with mild conditions and little to no snow."

In addition to providing snow for winter activities, the onset of winter also brings the possibility of hazardous road conditions. With a lack of early-winter snow, drivers have not yet had many opportunities to refresh their winter driving skills, posing an additional risk.

"As a driver it's important to always give yourself more time to reach your destination during icy or snowy conditions," said Lt. Jeff Gross, UW-Green Bay Public Safety officer. "It's also important to increase your following distance of vehicles in front of you, and never drive faster than conditions permit."

In the event of dangerous conditions on roadways, preparation is key—and it's always a good idea to prepare for the worst. Dressing for the weather, as well as keeping a blanket, food and water in the car can help in the event of an emergency, and never leave home without a cell phone that's fully charged. Removing snow from all the vehicle's windows and driving with the headlights on increases the ability to see and allows other drivers to see all vehicles on the road, Gross said.

When it comes to stopping on icy or snow-covered roads, careful, controlled movements are always better than slamming on the brakes or jerking the steering wheel. Instead of braking, which may cause a skid, letting off the accelerator and allowing the car to slow itself is the preferred method of stopping.

"Even drivers with four-wheel drive vehicles need to take these precautions because their stopping ability is actually worse than a two-wheel drive passenger car," Gross said. "They have more traction when it comes to starting, but the added weight greatly increases their stopping distance."

In the event of a snowstorm during the spring semester requiring parking lots to be plowed, students can expect a winter snow emergency. In advance of the days which parking lots will be plowed, emails will be sent to all campus email accounts, and a text message will be sent to GB Alert subscribers. The lots are plowed Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, and as a reminder red flags are placed around campus on days which plowing will occur.

During the days lots are plowed, students are required to move their vehicles either to a lot not scheduled to be plowed that day or along designated roadways. Failure to comply results in a $50 fine, which can increase to $75 if not paid in seven days.

"Our goal is to have to only inform students of the days each lot will be plowed, and that they need to move their vehicle," Gross said. "The email message, flags and especially GB Alert ensures everyone is informed. Our goal is getting the lots cleared, not giving out tickets—we'd be happy if we didn't have to give out any tickets at all."

Fortunately for those still thinking spring, the late onset of winter and the hazardous driving conditions it can bring doesn't necessarily mean Wisconsin is in for a late start to spring. While the state was forecasted to have a colder and snowier winter than average, even with winter arriving late, spring could still be here on time.

"Getting snow into early spring is common almost any given year, but even with winter getting a late start we should see normal conditions for the rest of January and a normal February as well," Berschback said. "But as we've found out with the conditions we've had so far this winter, the weather is always extremely variable."