Green Bay, WI – Roads across central and northcentral Wisconsin will turn hazardous within hours as freezing rain begins around 1 a.m. Thursday, threatening to shut down travel through the late morning and early afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, an Ice Storm Warning is in effect from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday for Wood, Portage, and Waupaca counties, including Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, and Waupaca. Ice accumulations between a quarter and a half inch are expected, with gusts up to 35 mph increasing the risk of falling branches and power outages.
The storm expands north after 3 a.m. into Marathon, Lincoln, Langlade, Menominee, and Shawano counties, including Wausau, Merrill, Antigo, and Shawano. In these areas, a mix of sleet up to 1 inch and heavy icing will create slick roads and reduced traction during the peak commute window.
Bridges, overpasses, and untreated highways will ice first, especially along Highways 10 and 51 and rural county roads. Power lines could accumulate enough ice to snap under gusty winds, potentially impacting thousands of customers.
Officials urge residents to delay travel and prepare for outages by charging devices and gathering emergency supplies. Hazardous conditions will persist until at least 1 p.m. Thursday, with additional advisories possible if icing continues.
