GREEN BAY, WI -- Potentially nasty weather from Monday morning, through Tuesday, could bring with it the region's first real taste of winter.
That, and a traveler's nightmare, as many still making the holiday trip home are planning on hitting the road.
Sleet, and possible inches of snow accumulation, are typically winter driving scenarios we're used to by now.
But seeing as how this will likely be our first big winter storm this season, experts warn that many drivers haven't adjusted to handling such conditions.
What could start as early as Monday morning in areas south of Oshkosh will likely be nailing the Fox Valley by Monday afternoon.
At martin hardware, in Green Bay, it's a threat falling mostly on deaf ears with landscaping sales trumping shovel and rock salt sales this weekend.
"I guess it feels like they just don't believe it," says owner Katy Martin, "or they're not paying attention--that they just don't feel that it's actually going to come through."
But highway safety experts say ignoring the potential for bad weather isn't an option.
"It's been a great year so far, and we all hoped it would continue. But unfortunately, it won't," says Patrick Trzebiatowski, of the WI State Patrol
Trzebiatowski says any driver who hasn't done a pre-travel checklist should get on it now: "good tires on their vehicle, decent running condition," says Trzebiatowski.
And whether it's heading home after the holidays, or home from work, Trzebiatowski says plan ahead for a longer trip.
"Leave a little bit sooner, reduce your speed," says Trzebiatowski, "allow for greater following distance between vehicles.
Still, accidents will likely happen, and drivers will need to be ready to give emergency responders more space on the roads.
"If you can get over, get over to the other lane," says Trzebiatowski. "Slow down--be mindful that people may be outside of their vehicles."
If you find yourself in a ditch, or broken down on the side of the road, or highway, experts say do not leave your vehicle, and call 9-1-1 from inside where they say you're safest.
You should also have warm clothing, and blankets with you, just in case.
