Blizzard in Wisconsin, January 29, 1996

A powerful arctic cold front roared across central and northeast Wisconsin, creating ground blizzard conditions. Strong west winds gusting as high as 35 to 45 mph whipped a fresh, powdery snowfall into a fury, resulting in zero visibilities and icy roads. The blizzard conditions developed across the Fox Valley during the morning rush hour, leading to numerous accidents. In Winnebago county alone, 80 accidents were reported, including 2 separate pileups involving 20 or more vehicles. Conditions were so severe in Winnebago county that the emergency broadcast system was activated. Interstate Highway 43 from the northern Brown county line to the southern Sheboygan county line was closed between 11 am and 4 pm. Highway 42 in Kewaunee county was also closed due to severe drifting and poor visibility. School was cancelled or let out early in many districts, but not all of the students were able to make the trek back home. A group of 150 Kewaunee High School students were stranded at their school overnight when local road crews were unable to keep the roads from drifting shut. The combination of cold temperatures and wind created wind chill readings in the 30 below to 50 below zero range.