Weather
Wisconsin Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Ice Storm Dangers
Madison, WI – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Wisconsin. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, Octo
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-27T07:57:40.547Z
Madison, WI – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Wisconsin. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams pose two serious threats during the colder months.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Ice accumulation can make travel hazardous, damage trees and power lines, and leave communities without electricity.
How Dangerous Can Wisconsin Ice Storms Become? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks extremely slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause significant tree damage and widespread electrical disruptions.
Drivers traveling Interstate 94, Interstate 90, Interstate 39 and Interstate 43 should exercise caution when freezing rain is forecast, particularly during overnight and early morning hours.
Wisconsin's wooded rural highways and exposed bridges can become especially hazardous when temperatures hover near freezing.
Ice Jams Can Trigger Sudden Winter Flooding Another serious winter threat develops when river ice accumulates and restricts water flow, potentially causing water levels to rise rapidly upstream.
Winter thaws, heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt can increase flooding risks, especially when frozen ground prevents water from soaking into the soil.
Communities along the Wisconsin, Fox, Rock, Chippewa and Mississippi rivers can face ice jam concerns during winter warmups.
Unlike southern states, Wisconsin regularly experiences river ice formation, making ice jam flooding an important seasonal concern.
How Wisconsin Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several precautions:
Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets and emergency supplies accessible. Charge phones and prepare for possible extended power outages. Avoid unnecessary driving during freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roadways. Residents can monitor official forecasts and river conditions through the NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan office , NWS Green Bay office and NWS La Crosse office .
Winter weather awareness efforts continue through Saturday, October 31 , emphasizing preparation before ice storms, power outages and river flooding threaten Wisconsin communities.