Tim Ryan, tryan@shawanoleader.com
An injury accident in Krakow on Friday morning underscored the hazard of hidden patches of glare ice, according to authorities.
The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department reported a vehicle struck a patch of ice on Town Line Road west of state Highway 32 shortly after 8 a.m.
The vehicle rolled over, landing on its roof and two people had to be rescued, Chief Deputy John Gutho said.
Gutho said there did not appear to be any life-threatening injuries.
Icy patches have been a particular problem since last week when temperatures rose above freezing for several days before returning to frigid cold.
Capt. Tom Tuma said authorities were seeing an increased number of crashes as drivers hit shaded areas on the roadway, suddenly encountering a patch of ice.
“Motorists need to be alert to the changing road conditions,” he said.
The danger was likely to be heightened this weekend in the wake of a fresh snowfall of 2 to 3 inches that was forecast for late Friday.
The National Weather Service warned that the continuing cold hinder efforts of highway crews to treat the roadways. The forecast calls for highs in the single digits this weekend, and lows falling below zero again.
Gutho said he had spotted numerous ice patches over the last few days, particularly on town roads and especially at intersections.
“People need to take more time breaking and turning and accelerating so they cam make sure they’ve got traction,” he said.
Gutho added motorists also need to be wary on what might appear to be a dry roadway.
“Sometimes the road will be good for a long stretch, and then then suddenly there’s ice,” he said.