Rhinelander, Wisconsin – Roads across northern and northeast Wisconsin could turn slick quickly this evening as a brief glaze of ice develops before snow and sleet move in overnight, creating hazardous travel conditions during late evening and early morning hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. this evening until 3 a.m. Tuesday for Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Florence, Door, Marinette, and Oconto counties. Light freezing precipitation is expected early this evening, producing a thin glaze of ice, followed by snow and sleet accumulations up to one inch overnight.
The initial icing phase poses the greatest risk, especially on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses. Travel routes including U.S. 45, Highway 8, Highway 17, Highway 32, and local Door County roadways could become slick shortly after sunset. Communities such as Rhinelander, Eagle River, Crandon, Sturgeon Bay, Sister Bay, Peshtigo, and Niagara are all within the advisory area.
As temperatures fluctuate overnight, snow and sleet will replace freezing precipitation, keeping roads slippery through the early Tuesday morning hours. Even minor accumulations could reduce traction on curves, hills, and secondary roads.
Drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking this evening. Conditions are expected to improve toward daybreak Tuesday as precipitation tapers off, but slick spots may linger. Motorists should check 511 for real-time road conditions, as additional advisories could be issued if icing becomes more widespread than expected.
