A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for northern Wisconsin and much of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where a developing storm system could bring heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions from Sunday afternoon through Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, counties in northern Wisconsin including Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Florence, and northern Marinette could see 4 to 6 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 35 mph. During heavier snowfall, visibility may drop to one mile or less, creating difficult travel conditions, especially late Sunday and early Monday.
Farther east, the National Weather Service in Marquette reports a higher-impact scenario across central and western Upper Michigan, where 5 to 13 inches of snow is possible. The heaviest accumulations are expected across the northern half of the Upper Peninsula, with wind gusts up to 45 mph, strongest near Lake Superior.
Forecasters warn that blowing and drifting snow could lead to whiteout conditions, making travel very difficult to impossible at times. The storm may significantly impact both the Monday morning and Monday evening commutes. Gusty winds could also bring down tree branches, leading to sporadic power outages, particularly in exposed areas.
Cities potentially affected include Rhinelander, Eagle River, Crandon, and Wausaukee in Wisconsin, and Marquette, Houghton, Ironwood, Escanaba, Newberry, and Munising in Michigan.
A Winter Storm Watch means conditions are favorable for significant winter weather, but details may still change. Residents and travelers across the region are urged to monitor forecast updates closely and prepare for possible travel disruptions as the weekend approaches.
