Strong Winds and Winter Storm to Hit Wisconsin This Weekend

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A series of weather systems will impact Wisconsin this week, with strong winds expected on Friday and a significant winter storm set to move through the region on Saturday night through Monday. The winter storm could bring heavy, wet snow and blizzard conditions to parts of the state.

Why it matters

The strong winds on Friday and the potential for heavy, accumulating snow over the weekend could cause power outages, dangerous travel conditions, and other disruptions across southern Wisconsin. Residents should prepare for the possibility of school and business closures, as well as the need to shovel significant amounts of snow.

The details

The first weather system will bring a rain/snow mix to Wisconsin on Thursday afternoon, lasting through Friday afternoon. While the precipitation will be light, winds could gust up to 60 mph, prompting a high wind warning for southern Wisconsin. Then, a larger winter storm system will move into the region on Saturday night, bringing the potential for 6 inches or more of wet, heavy snow, with some areas possibly seeing 1-2 feet of accumulation. The freezing line will be an important factor, with areas north of it likely seeing all snow, while those to the south could start with a rain/snow mix before transitioning to all snow by Sunday.

• The rain/snow mix will begin later on Thursday afternoon and continue through Friday afternoon.
• A high wind warning is in effect for southern Wisconsin from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, with gusts up to 60 mph.
• The winter storm is expected to move into the region on Saturday night and continue through Monday afternoon.

What’s next

Residents in southern Wisconsin should closely monitor the weather forecasts and prepare for the possibility of power outages, dangerous travel conditions, and significant snowfall over the weekend.