Baraboo, Wisconsin – Snow is rapidly overtaking rain across western Wisconsin early Friday, and drivers in Sauk and Iowa counties face snow-covered highways and wind gusts up to 45 mph through noon.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, a west-to-east changeover from rain to heavy snow is underway, with total accumulations between 2 and 7 inches before precipitation tapers off around midday Friday. The highest totals are expected along the far western edges of Sauk and Iowa counties, including areas near Reedsburg and Mineral Point. The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until noon.
Road conditions are deteriorating along U.S. Highway 12, U.S. 151, and stretches of Highway 23, where blowing snow could reduce visibility and create slick overpasses. Officials warn the Friday morning commute may slow significantly, particularly near Baraboo, Dodgeville, and Prairie du Sac. Gusty winds combined with wet, heavy snow may snap tree limbs and trigger isolated power outages.
If travel is unavoidable, keep a flashlight, food, water, and a charged phone in your vehicle. Wisconsin 511 provides real-time road updates statewide.
Snow intensity should ease late this morning, but strong winds may continue to cause drifting into early afternoon. Additional advisories could follow if visibility drops further.
