Green Bay, WI – A powerful winter storm is set to hit central and northern Wisconsin overnight, bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds that could create hazardous travel conditions through Wednesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Green Bay, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from midnight Tuesday to 6 p.m. Wednesday for Marathon, Portage, Wood, and Northern Marinette counties. Snowfall is expected to total between 4 to 6 inches, with wind gusts reaching 45 mph, leading to significant blowing and drifting snow. The Wednesday morning and evening commutes could be impacted, with visibility dropping to a quarter-mile or less.
Higher Snow Totals in Vilas and Surrounding Counties
The storm is expected to bring heavier snowfall to Vilas County, where 7 to 10 inchesof snow is forecast. Winds up to 40 mph could lead to whiteout conditions at times. Similar conditions are anticipated in Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida, Florence, and Forest counties, where snow totals could range between 4 to 9 inches.
Southern and Western Wisconsin to See Impact as Well
The NWS La Crosse has issued a Winter Storm Warning from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday for La Crosse, Monroe, Juneau, Adams, and Jackson counties, where 4 to 6 inches of snow is expected, along with wind gusts up to 45 mph. Areas in Houston County, MN, and Vernon County, WI, could see similar conditions, with wind gusts potentially reaching 50 mph.
Taylor and Buffalo counties are also under a Winter Storm Warning, with 4 to 6 inches of snow expected. Meanwhile, Clark and Trempealeau counties could see 3 to 5 inches of accumulation.
Travel Impacts and Safety Precautions
Motorists are advised to avoid travel if possible, especially during the overnight and early morning hours, when snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour. Gusty winds may also lead to downed tree branches and power outages.
For those who must travel, officials recommend carrying an emergency kit with a flashlight, food, and water. Updated road conditions can be checked via 511wi.govfor Wisconsin and 511mn.org for Minnesota.
The storm is expected to taper off Wednesday evening, but lingering wind gusts could keep roads hazardous into Thursday morning.
