Snow, Falling Temps To Impact Wisconsin Travel

MILWAUKEE, WI — A winter storm is expected to impact much of southern and east-central Wisconsin from late Sunday into Monday morning, with rain transitioning to snow, several inches of accumulation possible, and hazardous travel conditions expected during the Monday commute, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say mild temperatures and rain during the day Sunday will give way to snow Sunday evening as colder air quickly moves into the region. Snow is expected to continue overnight into Monday morning, with the heaviest impacts occurring late Sunday night.

Snowfall totals will vary by location.

North of Interstate 94, including parts of east-central Wisconsin, snowfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected, with locally higher totals approaching 6 inches possible. Cities with the greatest chance of higher snowfall include Fond du Lac, Waupun, Portage, Beaver Dam, Montello, and Wisconsin Dells.

South of I-94, including Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Burlington, and areas closer to the Wisconsin-Illinois border, snowfall totals are expected to be lighter, generally ranging from 1 to 3 inches, with a low likelihood of exceeding 4 inches.

A Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect from 9 p.m. Sunday through noon Monday for portions of central and eastern Wisconsin, including areas near Wisconsin Dells, Portage, Waupun, Fond du Lac, Beaver Dam, Columbus, and West Bend.

In addition to snow, brisk northwest winds are expected to develop Sunday night, with gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph. The combination of falling snow, gusty winds, and rapidly dropping temperatures could lead to blowing and drifting snow, reduced visibility, and slick road conditions.

Travel impacts are expected overnight Sunday into the Monday morning commute due to snow, brisk winds, and a quick drop in temperatures. Wet roads may freeze as temperatures fall, increasing the risk of slippery conditions.

Snow totals could still change depending on the timing of the rain-to-snow transition and the eventual track and strength of the storm system. The National Weather Service urges residents to monitor forecast updates and prepare for potentially hazardous travel late Sunday and early Monday.

Here's the full NWS forecast from the Milwaukee Airport:

Today: Cloudy, with a high near 41. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: A 50 percent chance of rain, mainly after 10pm. Patchy fog before 7pm, then patchy fog after 8pm. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 40. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday: Rain. High near 49. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday Night: Rain before 9pm, then rain and snow between 9pm and midnight, then snow likely after midnight. Low around 21. Windy, with a west wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Monday: Snow likely, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 27. Windy, with a northwest wind 25 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 12. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tuesday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 26. West wind around 15 mph.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of snow after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26.

Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 8.

New Year's Day: Sunny, with a high near 14.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 2.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 17.