Green Bay, Wisconsin – Drivers across northern Wisconsin could face rapidly worsening road conditions Thursday night as snow and powerful winds move into the region, threatening visibility and travel through the Friday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, a Winter Storm Warning will take effect at 7 p.m. Thursday for much of the state’s Northwoods and remain in place until 1 p.m. Friday. Snowfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are expected across Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Florence, Langlade, Lincoln, and Marinette counties, with wind gusts reaching 40 mph.
Communities including Eagle River, Rhinelander, Antigo, Merrill, Crandon, and Wausaukee may see blowing and drifting snow overnight into Friday morning as strong winds push snow across exposed roads. Visibility could drop quickly in open areas, making travel difficult along major routes such as U.S. Highway 45, U.S. 8, and Highway 64.
Menominee County, including Keshena and Neopit, is also under a Winter Storm Warning where 4 to 7 inches of snow and wind gusts near 40 mph could create hazardous driving conditions.
The combination of gusty winds and accumulating snow may also bring down tree branches and cause isolated power outages across parts of northern Wisconsin.
Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and prepare vehicles with emergency supplies such as blankets, food, water, and a flashlight.
Snow and blowing snow may linger through late Friday morning before conditions gradually improve across the region.
