Winter Storm Sweeps Through Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s mild winter came to an end Monday, as a wintery mix of snow, ice and gusty winds swept through most of the state.

National Weather Service meteorologist Dan Herzog said the winter weather is part of a massive, “potent” storm system that’s also caused tornadoes in Texas and flooding in Missouri and Illinois. In Wisconsin, the system has brought freezing rain and sleet in the southeast, along with heavy snowfall in the western and central parts of the state.

“As we get into the overnight hours, we’ll probably see a gradual transition back toward snow everywhere, but probably the far southeast (is where) we might continue to see more of that mixy-type precipitation,” said Herzog.

Heavy winds are also expected as part of the storm: Herzog says wind gusts may reach up to 50 mph in some parts of the state.

Sean Luchs, an NWS meteorologist based in Green Bay, said he’s amazed by the quickly accumulating snowfall throughout the state. Until Monday, Green Bay had not yet reached a full inch of snow, one of the longest stretches on record.

The storm is one instance of wild weather that’s being recorded across the country, said Luchs, caused in part by El Niño weather systems. Other examples include a winter storm on Sunday that left thousands of Oklahomans without electricity, as well as the tornadoes that touched down across the country in the past week.

Meanwhile, Herzog said that the drivers should take caution, since the weather has created hazardous driving conditions.

“The combination of slick roads that are going to result from this winter precipitation along with winds with gusts up to 45, maybe 50 miles per hour in some locations is going to make travel quite difficult,” he said.

As of Monday afternoon, the Department of Transportation estimated that there have already been at least 165 car accidents across the state as a result of the weather.

Severe winter weather is predicted to continue throughout the night across the state, with a winter storm warning remaining in effect for most of Wisconsin through Tuesday.