Rhinelander, WI – Northern Wisconsin residents are being warned to expect difficult travel today as a Winter Weather Advisory goes into effect at 8 a.m. Saturday, bringing several inches of snow across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, between 3 and 5 inches of snow is expected across Oneida, Forest, Florence, Lincoln, Langlade, Northern Marinette, and Northern Oconto counties. The heaviest snowfall is projected to fall Saturday afternoon into Saturday evening, with visibility dropping quickly during the strongest bands.
Forecasters say travel could become “very difficult at times,” especially for holiday travelers heading home after Thanksgiving and for hunters headed into the woods this weekend. Roads are likely to become snow-covered and slick through Saturday night, and reduced visibility may make passing and rural travel hazardous.
The advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday, meaning early morning drivers could still encounter icy or snow-packed roads. Public works crews are expected to be out treating major routes, but secondary and rural roads may take longer to clear.
Residents are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and check road conditions before heading out. Wisconsin’s 511 system provides real-time updates on closures, delays, and travel speeds for the entire state.
This system marks one of the first notable snowfall events of the season for northern Wisconsin, and forecasters caution that heavier lake-effect bands could develop in localized areas. Temperatures are expected to hover in the upper 20s to low 30s during the storm, ensuring most precipitation falls as snow.
Drivers who encounter hazardous conditions are encouraged to share updates and exercise patience as crews work through the evening.
