Wintry Mix Threatens Ice Buildup Across Wisconsin

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A spring storm is set to bring a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain to parts of Wisconsin overnight into Thursday, with the potential for significant ice buildup that could lead to power outages and hazardous travel conditions. This will be followed by the threat of strong to severe thunderstorms later in the day.

Why it matters

The combination of wintry weather and severe storms could create a dangerous situation for residents, with the risk of power outages, downed trees and power lines, and treacherous road conditions. This storm has the potential to disrupt daily life and cause property damage across the region.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory, Winter Storm Warning, and Ice Storm Warning for various parts of Wisconsin. Overnight, snow and sleet are expected to move in, transitioning to a wintry mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain by early Thursday morning. Temperatures near the surface and high in the sky will play a big role in determining the type and amount of precipitation. Significant ice accumulation is possible, which could lead to broken tree limbs and power outages. By Thursday afternoon, the threat shifts to the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms, with the highest risk along and south of Highway 10.

• Tonight, snow and sleet are expected to move in.
• Early Thursday morning, the precipitation will transition to a wintry mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain.
• By mid to late morning Thursday, temperatures will start to warm up enough to change the wintry mix to all rain over eastern and central Wisconsin.
• The greatest impacts are expected after midnight through midday Thursday as conditions transition from wet snow and sleet mix to icing.
• By Thursday afternoon, the threat shifts to thunderstorms that could become strong to severe.

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm and provide updates on the potential for ice accumulation and severe weather throughout the day on Thursday.