Green Bay, Wisconsin – Drivers across northern Wisconsin could face rapidly deteriorating road conditions beginning Thursday evening, as a winter storm threatens to drop 5 to 8 inches of snow with gusty winds that could make travel difficult through early Friday and again this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 7 p.m. Thursday until 1 p.m. Friday for northern Wisconsin. Forecasters say areas along and north of a Wausau-to-Marinette line could see 5 to 8 inches of snow, with the heaviest snowfall expected between 8 p.m. Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday.
Snowfall rates could reach one-half inch to 1 inch per hour during the most intense bursts. Northeast winds will strengthen overnight with sustained speeds near 20–30 mph and gusts reaching 40–45 mph, which may produce blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility on highways.
Major travel corridors including U.S. Highway 41, Interstate 43, and U.S. Highway 141 across the Green Bay, Marinette, and Rhinelander regions could become snow-covered quickly during the overnight hours.
Forecasters also warn a second, potentially stronger system may impact Wisconsin from Saturday night through Monday, with high confidence that some part of the state will receive 6 inches or more of snow. If winds intensify, localized blizzard conditions may develop in open areas.
Residents are urged to monitor updated forecasts, consider adjusting travel plans, and prepare for rapidly changing road conditions, especially overnight and during the weekend storm window. Additional watches or warnings could be issued as the storm track becomes clearer.
