Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Lake effect snow remains possible across east-central and southeastern Wisconsin from early Friday through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, with impacts depending heavily on how long snow bands linger over land.
Forecasters say two potential rounds of lake effect snow are possible. The first window is expected Friday from roughly 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a second round Saturday morning into early afternoon. Snowfall rates within the strongest bands could briefly reach 0.5 to 1 inch per hour, though activity is expected to remain dry and powdery in nature.
The greatest uncertainty involves how far inland the lake effect bands push and how long they remain stationary. In a lower-end scenario, snow bands spend more time over Lake Michigan, resulting in minimal or spotty accumulations. In a higher-end scenario, bands shift inland for longer periods, leading to localized totals of 1 to 3 inches, particularly near the lakeshore.
Areas most favored for accumulation include Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and Sheboygan counties, with impacts most likely along major roadways such as Interstate 94, Interstate 43, and Interstate 41. If snow bands move onshore early Friday, morning commute delays are possible, especially where visibility briefly drops under heavier showers.
Travel conditions may vary significantly over short distances, a hallmark of lake effect events. Motorists could encounter snow-covered roads in one area and dry pavement just a few miles away. Because of this variability, officials urge drivers to remain alert and allow extra travel time.
No widespread winter storm conditions are expected at this time, but localized travel impacts remain possible, especially during peak commuting hours.
The National Weather Service advises residents to monitor forecast updates closely, as small wind shifts could significantly change where snow develops and how much accumulates through Saturday.
