Rhinelander, Wisconsin – Roads across northern and central Wisconsin are rapidly becoming dangerous as a powerful winter storm drops heavy snow before blizzard conditions intensify Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 10 a.m. Sunday across Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Florence, Marinette, Oconto, Wood, Portage, Waupaca, and Waushara counties. Snowfall totals before the transition are expected to climb quickly as the storm strengthens across the region.
At 10 a.m. Sunday, a Blizzard Warning takes effect and continues until 4 p.m. Monday as wind gusts approach 50 mph. Northern Wisconsin communities including Rhinelander, Eagle River, Crandon, and Lakewood could see storm totals between 20 and 30 inches. The strong winds will blow and drift snow across roadways, producing widespread whiteout conditions.
Farther south across central Wisconsin, cities such as Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield, and Waupaca may receive between 13 and 22 inches of snow and sleet, along with ice accumulations up to two tenths of an inch. These areas will also face severe blowing and drifting snow Sunday afternoon into Monday.
Major travel corridors including U.S. Highway 51, U.S. Highway 8, and Interstate 39 could see visibility drop sharply as winds push snow across lanes. Officials warn that travel may become extremely dangerous or impossible through the height of the storm.
Residents are urged to delay travel and prepare emergency supplies in case of power outages caused by heavy snow and strong winds.
Blizzard conditions are expected to continue into Monday afternoon across much of northern Wisconsin, with the Monday morning commute likely to be heavily impacted. Travelers can monitor road conditions statewide by dialing 511.
