Milwaukee, Wis. — A brief but intense burst of heavy snow swept southward across southeastern Wisconsin early Friday, rapidly creating slick and snow-covered roads along I-94, I-43, and U.S. 41 during the morning commute.
The National Weather Service in Milwaukee said the narrow band of snow moved quickly through the region between about 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., producing snowfall rates briefly approaching one inch per hour. While total accumulation remained limited to around a half inch, the rapid onset was enough to sharply reduce visibility and traction.
The heaviest impacts tracked southeast from Madison through Waukesha and Milwaukee before reaching Racine and Kenosha. Along I-94, roads turned snow covered in a matter of minutes, catching early commuters off guard. Visibility dropped to around one-half mile at times as the band passed.
Communities affected included Milwaukee, Waukesha, Brookfield, Racine, Kenosha, Madison, Janesville, and West Bend. Drivers reported slick conditions on untreated roads, ramps, and overpasses as the snow burst coincided with peak travel hours.
Forecasters said the snow band moved steadily southward, exiting most areas shortly after sunrise. Light snow continued in some locations behind the main band, but no additional accumulation was expected after the heavier snow moved out.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation urged drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and remain alert for sudden changes in road conditions. Even small accumulations can significantly impact travel when snow falls quickly.
Road conditions gradually improved later in the morning as crews treated highways and snowfall ended. Despite the brief nature of the event, officials stressed that short-lived snow bursts often cause a disproportionate number of accidents due to their sudden intensity.
No additional snow bands were expected later Friday, allowing travel conditions to steadily improve across southeastern Wisconsin as the morning progressed.
