Phillips, WI — Price County residents are bracing for a dangerous weekend as a significant ice storm threatens to down trees and power lines beginning Saturday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 7 a.m. Saturday, warning of freezing rain with light glaze accumulations. That advisory will transition into a more severe Ice Storm Warning, active from 7 p.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Forecasters expect up to two inches of snow and sleet, with ice accumulations ranging from two-tenths to one-half of an inch. The storm is likely to make travel nearly impossible and could lead to widespread, long-lasting power outages due to ice-covered power lines and tree limbs.
Bridges and overpasses will become particularly slick and hazardous during the advisory and warning periods. Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to keep flashlights, food, and water in vehicles if travel is unavoidable.
Drivers can monitor road conditions at 511wi.gov. Authorities stress the importance of preparing for outages and checking weather updates frequently throughout the weekend.
