Milwaukee, Wisconsin — A long-duration winter weather event will impact the Milwaukee metro beginning late this afternoon, with two waves of snow and a period of freezing drizzle overnight creating slick and hazardous travel, especially for the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, the first wave of snow arrives between 4 PM and 9 PM Thursday, spreading in from the northwest. Snowfall rates will generally be around 0.25 inches per hour, with a few brief periods up to 0.5 inches per hour possible during the evening commute.
Late tonight, snow intensity decreases, but conditions may worsen as freezing drizzle mixes in between 9 PM and 8 AM Friday, potentially adding a light glaze of ice to already snow-covered roads.
A second wave of steadier snow is expected to move in early Friday morning, impacting the morning commute, before freezing drizzle tapers off later Friday morning. Light snow may continue into Friday evening.
Expected Snow & Ice
- 🌨️ Total snow: generally 1–2 inches across Milwaukee and southeast Wisconsin
- 🧊 Ice: light glaze possible overnight Thursday into Friday morning
- 🚗 Greatest travel impact: Thursday evening through Friday morning
Timeline Breakdown
- Thu 4–9 PM: Light snow spreads in, evening commute affected
- Thu 9 PM–Midnight: Snow lightens, freezing drizzle begins
- Fri 12–8 AM: Freezing drizzle + light snow → slick roads
- Fri 8 AM–6 PM: Drizzle ends, light snow continues
Impacts
- Slick and icy roads likely, especially bridges and untreated surfaces
- Reduced traction for both evening and morning commutes
- Conditions may look minor but ice will be the main hazard
Residents are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and stay alert for changing road conditions overnight. Even light snowfall combined with freezing drizzle can quickly create dangerous travel conditions.
