UPDATED - Winter Storm To Disrupt Travel Monday Morning

By Justin Poublon

January 6, 2019 - 10:30 AM CST |

RIGHT NOW - raining now across all of Wisconsin coming to an end by 4PM Monday night. Heavy snow continues in eastern upper Michigan.

Current Wisconsin radar and storm reports

SUMMARY - A quick-hitting winter storm will bring a mix of heavy snow, freezing rain, and rain to Wisconsin. The Monday morning commute is expected to be rough across northern Wisconsin while the southern third of the state will see mostly rain and relatively easy go of it. Several inches of snow is expect in northern Wisconsin with the heaviest amounts in the eastern half of upper Michigan. The highest risk for freezing rain will be across central Wisconsin early Monday morning. Strong wind gusts up to 40MPH possible. See details below:

STORM TIMING & DETAILS

Timeline of events. Sunday night rain changes to snow over the north. Monday morning a winter storm impacts the state which could make for a messy morning commute

The morning will be rough. Sunday night light rain changes to snow over the north. Monday morning a winter storm impacts the state. A mix of heavy snow, freezing rain, and rain. The good news is that the rest of Monday should see improving conditions with light drizzle or rain sprinkles lingering.

DETAILS

SNOW ACCUMULATION - 5-8" along a narrow axis across from Antigo to Lakewood and Pembine. 2-5" for places such as Wausau and Minocqua. Lesser amounts expected for Hayward and Ironwood stuck in a void between the heavier precip bands to the southeast and lake enhancement to the north. Snow totals to decrease sharply into central Wisconsin. Please visit our facebook page for the latest information as the situation unfolds!

5-8" from Antigo to Escanaba(MI) by late Monday morning.

FREEZING RAIN - I would plan for up to 0.25" of ice accretion in spots along HWY 29 through Wausau towards Shawano. This is supported by surface temperatures expected to be between 28 and 32F during the morning hours before warming later. Less certain further to the east across the Fox Valley a blanket of snow remains that could hold temperatures near the freezing mark. To the north warmer air may work over much colder air and lead to moments of freezing rain or drizzle.

Up to 0.2" of freezing rain accumulation in spots which could make the morning commute difficult.

Forecast Surface temperatures Monday AM before warming during the day.

Whether it be a glaze or 0.25", freezing rain accumulates prior to the changeover to rain will not melt immediately therefore untreated roads may be slippery and ice covered through the morning commute. Freezing rain can be hit and miss. Literally one or two degrees temperature can make all the difference between rain and ice. Not expecting any tree or property damage at this time.

LATEST NWS WARNINGS

The National Weather Service has issued a WINTER STORM WARNING for Douglass county until 2PM Monday. a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY has been issued for portions of northern Wisconsin until 9AM Monday. Still believe there will be some freezing rain potential from Eau Claire to St. Cloud (roughly). Below is the latest warning and advisories map.

Current Warnings, Watches, and Advisories

Ice Shoves & Wind Gusts

Ice shoves are possible tonight and Monday along Lake Michigan/Green Bay and Lake Winnebago due to gusty southeast winds and warmer temps. Wind gusts could reach 40MPH tonight.

Light Snow Chance Tuesday

Following the Monday storm there is a light snow chance on Tuesday. One or two lucky places could pick an inch of new snow. More to come in this later!