Wausau, Wisconsin – Drivers across central Wisconsin could face slick highways and bursts of blowing snow this morning as wind gusts near 45 mph push fresh snowfall across roadways through the midday hours Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 1 p.m. Friday for Marathon and Shawano counties. Snowfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected before the system tapers off early this afternoon.
Even modest snowfall may create travel issues as strong winds sweep snow across Interstate 39, Highway 29, and Highway 51, reducing visibility at times around Wausau and Shawano. Blowing snow could linger into the afternoon commute in open rural areas.
The current system is also setting the stage for a potentially much larger storm. Forecasters have issued a Winter Storm Watch beginning Saturday evening and continuing through Monday afternoon, when 12 to 18 inches of snow could fall across central Wisconsin. Some locations may approach 24 inches, while winds up to 40 mph could produce whiteout conditions and scattered power outages.
Drivers should slow down and allow extra travel time Friday, especially during the morning and evening commutes. Residents are encouraged to monitor updated alerts and check 511 Wisconsin for road conditions as the larger weekend storm threat develops.
