A powerful winter storm is set to slam central and east-central Wisconsin on Friday, February 14, bringing heavy snowfall, reduced visibility, and hazardous road conditions. With snow totals expected to reach 6 to 9 inches, this storm could severely impact travel, especially during the Friday evening commute.
Meteorologists warn that the heaviest snowfall will hit areas such as Green Bay, Appleton, Wausau, Stevens Point, and Oshkosh, with some places possibly seeing even more due to lake effect enhancement. With snowfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour in some spots, roads could quickly become dangerous, making travel extremely difficult.
When and Where Will the Snow Hit?
Snowfall is expected to start Friday afternoon and intensify as the evening progresses, making conditions worse for those heading home from work or planning early weekend travel.
- Central Wisconsin: Areas around Wausau, Stevens Point, and Marshfield will start seeing snow by mid-afternoon, with accumulations building quickly.
- East-Central Wisconsin: Cities like Green Bay, Appleton, and Oshkosh will be hit later in the evening, with the heaviest snowfall expected overnight into early Saturday.
How Much Snow Are We Talking About?
This isn’t just a light dusting—this is a full-fledged winter storm. Forecast models suggest:
- 6 to 9 inches of snow across central and east-central Wisconsin, with some localized areas seeing even more due to lake effect snow.
- Snowfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour, particularly along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
- Dangerously low visibility, making driving hazardous or even impossible at times.
Travel Could Become Extremely Dangerous
With this much snow falling in a short period, roads will become slippery and snow-covered fast. Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for slow-moving traffic if they must be on the road.
Some of the biggest concerns for drivers include:
- Reduced visibility: Heavy snowfall could create whiteout conditions, especially in open areas.
- Icy and snow-covered roads: Highways like I-39, I-41, and US-51 will likely become treacherous.
- Long delays for plows to clear roads: Even with plows working non-stop, snowfall rates could overwhelm efforts to keep streets clear.
Commuters should leave early, drive slowly, and keep emergency kits in their vehicles in case they get stranded.
How to Stay Safe During the Storm
This storm could create dangerous conditions that last into Saturday morning, so it’s important to prepare ahead of time:
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on local weather forecasts and check for travel advisories.
- Avoid Travel if Possible: If you don’t absolutely need to be on the road, stay home until conditions improve.
- Prepare Your Vehicle: Keep blankets, a flashlight, snacks, water, and a fully charged phone in your car in case of emergencies.
- Watch for Power Outages: Heavy snow and wind could bring down power lines, so have flashlights and extra batteries ready at home.
What’s Next After the Storm?
Once the storm moves out of Wisconsin late Friday night, temperatures are expected to remain below freezing, meaning any untreated roads will stay icy into Saturday. Another system could bring light snow on Sunday, but nothing as intense as Friday’s storm.
