Storm Could Bring Blizzard Conditions To WI Ahead Of Holiday Weekend

WISCONSIN — Much of Wisconsin is under a winter storm watch Thursday into late Friday, with an increasing potential for heavy snow to cause blizzard conditions just ahead of the holiday weekend, according to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan.

A strong storm system could also bring northwest gusts of up to 50 mph Thursday night through Friday night, the NWS said. Meanwhile, wind chills of up to -20 degreescould remain throughout the holiday weekend.

Some light snow is expected Monday and Wednesday, with the heavier snow expected to begin Thursday afternoon and last into late Friday night, the NWS said via Twitter.

The storm may make travel difficult or impossible with widespread blowing snow reducing visibility, the NWS said. Further, gusty winds may bring down tree branches and cold wind chills may pose a risk of frostbite in as little as 30 minutes.

The storm may bring around 6 inches of snow to parts of Wisconsin, according to the NWS. Portions of east central, south central and southeast Wisconsin are under the watch.

The pre-Christmas storm could bring travel delays across much of the country, according to AccuWeather.

"This storm will likely become intense, feeding on the extremely sharp variation between the surging arctic air arriving from the Central states and relatively warm air across the southeastern U.S.," said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter in a report.