Milwaukee, Wis. – Slick spots may develop on bridges and overpasses across southeast Wisconsin before sunrise Tuesday, with light freezing drizzle creating hazardous travel on I-94, I-43 and I-41 between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, near-freezing temperatures combined with incoming precipitation could produce patchy light freezing rain or drizzle during the early morning commute. The highest risk window runs from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. Tuesday, especially on elevated and untreated surfaces.
Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine and Kenosha counties sit in the primary zone for spotty icing. Even a light glaze — a few hundredths of an inch — can make ramps along I-794 and Highway 45 unexpectedly slick. Farther north toward Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, drier air may limit precipitation, reducing the overall icing threat.
Drivers traveling before 8 a.m. should slow down, increase following distance and avoid sudden braking. Use low-beam headlights and allow extra time, particularly on bridge decks where pavement temperatures drop fastest. Local road crews may treat major corridors, but neighborhood streets could remain slippery through daybreak.
Temperatures are expected to climb above freezing a few hours after sunrise, allowing any lingering drizzle to change to plain rain and improving road conditions by mid-morning. Motorists should remain alert for isolated slick patches until readings rise safely into the mid-30s. Additional updates may be issued if colder air lingers longer than anticipated.
