Wausau, Wisconsin – Drivers across central and northeast Wisconsin could face whiteout conditions and impassable roads by Sunday as a powerful winter storm threatens to drop up to 24 inches of snow while winds gust near 45 mph.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, a Winter Storm Watch begins Saturday evening and continues through Monday afternoon for Marathon, Shawano, and southern Oconto counties. Heavy snowfall totals between 12 and 18 inches are likely, with localized areas possibly exceeding 2 feet as the storm intensifies late Saturday night.
Before the major system arrives, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 1 p.m. Friday, bringing 1 to 3 additional inches of snow and wind gusts up to 45 mph. The advisory is already affecting travel during the Friday morning commute in communities including Wausau, Shawano, Oconto, Little Suamico, and Sobieski.
As the stronger storm develops over the weekend, blowing snow may reduce visibility to near zero at times. Major travel routes such as Interstate 39, U.S. Highway 51, and Highway 29 could become extremely hazardous, especially overnight Saturday into Sunday.
Heavy, moisture-packed snow combined with strong winds may also bring down tree limbs and power lines, increasing the risk of scattered outages across central and northeast Wisconsin.
Residents are urged to prepare before Saturday evening by charging devices, stocking essentials, and delaying travel plans if possible. Road conditions can be checked anytime by calling 511.
Forecasters say additional alerts or upgraded warnings are likely as the storm approaches, with the most dangerous conditions expected through Sunday and into Monday afternoon.
