Wisconsin residents should prepare for a major winter storm that is expected to dump up to 7 inches of snow across the state starting Friday afternoon and continuing into Saturday morning. The storm is expected to bring hazardous driving conditions, particularly during the evening commute, as snow accumulates quickly on roads.
When and Where Will the Snow Hit?
The storm is forecasted to begin Friday afternoon, with snowfall intensifying by the evening. Southern and central parts of Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Eau Claire, and La Crosse, are expected to see significant accumulation. By the time the storm winds down on Saturday morning, most areas will have received anywhere from 3 to 7 inches of snow.
City-by-City Forecast:
- Milwaukee: A cold and windy afternoon, with snow starting late and accumulating up to 1 cm by tonight. High of 28°F (-2°C), low of 26°F (-3°C).
- Madison: Snow will begin late in the afternoon, accumulating 2 to 4 cm by evening. High of 25°F (-4°C), low of 22°F (-5°C).
- Green Bay: Light snow developing late, leaving 1 to 2 cm on roads. Expect a high of 24°F (-5°C), low of 21°F (-6°C).
- Eau Claire: Snow arriving in the afternoon, with accumulations of 2 to 4 cm expected. Roads will become dangerously slick. High of 22°F (-6°C), low of 18°F (-8°C).
- La Crosse: Similar to Eau Claire, 2 to 4 cm of snow will accumulate, creating hazardous travel conditions. High of 23°F (-5°C), low of 21°F (-6°C).
What This Means for Travel
The biggest concern with this storm is the timing—since the heaviest snow will fall right as people are heading home from work, roads are expected to become snow-covered and dangerously slick very quickly. Blowing and drifting snow could further reduce visibility, making travel even more dangerous.
If you must drive, expect significant delays, slippery conditions, and poor visibility. Those who can adjust their schedules should try to leave earlier or delay their commute until after the worst of the storm passes.
How to Stay Safe
- Plan ahead and allow extra time if you need to drive.
- Reduce speed and leave extra distance between vehicles.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car, including blankets, food, and a flashlight.
- Stay updated on weather alerts and road conditions before heading out.
The Bigger Picture
This storm is just one of many powerful winter systems impacting the Midwest this season. With February in full swing, more snowstorms are likely in the coming weeks. Residents should remain prepared for additional winter weather events.
As always, safety comes first. If you can avoid travel during the peak of the storm, stay indoors and wait for conditions to improve. The snow will stop by Saturday morning, but icy roads and freezing temperatures will linger, so caution is advised even after the snowfall ends.
