Green Bay, WI – A major winter storm is set to slam Wisconsin starting Saturday night, bringing up to 24 inches of snow in northern counties and wind gusts up to 45 mph, creating the potential for whiteout conditions and widespread travel disruptions into Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, snow will begin expanding across central and east-central Wisconsin Saturday evening before intensifying overnight. Snowfall rates could reach 1 to 3 inches per hour as the storm strengthens and spreads north across the state.
The heaviest totals are expected across north-central Wisconsin including Rhinelander, Eagle River, and Florence, where 18 to 24 inches of snow with locally higher amounts may fall by Monday afternoon. Areas farther south including Wausau, Shawano, and Antigo could see 12 to 18 inches, while parts of the Fox Valley including Appleton, Oshkosh, and Green Bay may receive 8 to 12 inches depending on any mixing.
Forecasters warn that parts of central and east-central Wisconsin could briefly see freezing rain or sleet Sunday, especially near Stevens Point, Oshkosh, and Manitowoc, which could create icy roads before the system turns back to all snow Sunday night.
Winds increasing to 35 to 45 mph Sunday into Monday may produce blowing and drifting snow with near-zero visibility on highways including Interstate 41, U.S. 51, and Highway 29.
Residents should avoid unnecessary travel once heavy snow begins and ensure emergency kits are in vehicles. Additional winter storm warnings or blizzard advisories may be issued as the system intensifies through the weekend.
