Snow, Sleet, Freezing Rain Making Travel Difficult Throughout Wisconsin

Snow, sleet and freezing rain are making travel challenging on this Presidents Day.

Dozens of school districts are taking the day off Monday because of the weather, including Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, Neillsville and Waupaca. Other school districts decided Monday to dismiss students early, including Green Bay, De Pere and Marinette.

According to the National Weather Service, freezing rain, sleet and snow are expected over much of central, northeast and east-central Wisconsin on Monday and continuing Tuesday.

Ice accumulations of between a quarter- to a half-inch are possible. The weather has led to winter weather advisories set to be in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday for Ashland, Iron, Washburn, Sawyer and Price counties.

A band of snow was moving through Monday morning and afternoon, creating a wintry mix of rain and freezing rain.

Parts of southern Wisconsin are expected to see rain.

Roy Eckberg, a meteorologist with the NWS in Green Bay, said Monday morning that much of the state is flirting with ice storm warnings.

“At this point it doesn’t look that way, but with the next wave coming up tomorrow, it could push it over. Temperatures are going to be very critical tomorrow morning.”

Eckberg said a band of precipitation is expected to move Monday night from the southwest to the northeast.

“Across southern Wisconsin we’re looking at some showers, possibly a few thunderstorms. And from, I would say, La Crosse up through Green Bay and Manitowoc area, we’re looking at a mixture of rain, sleet, freezing rain,” he said.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is encouraging people to remember their winter driving skills.

DOT spokeswoman Melissa Kok said northeastern Wisconsin has not had much snow and that may have lulled some people into complacency. She said drivers should check the DOT’s road condition website Monday and Tuesday.

“We ask they do check the www.511.wisconsin.gov for the road conditions,” Kok said. “If travel is necessary, maybe they should tell someone where they’re going and allow the extra time. Take it slow and use common sense.”

Kok said bridges and highway on and off ramps can become especially slick, so can the roads less traveled.

“The main roads, the crews do a fantastic job putting salt or brine down. It’s when you head out to your backroads or side streets, those aren’t always the main priority during peak travel times,” Kok said.

Weather Prompts Concerns About Tuesday’s Primary

The winter storm also has election officials concerned about getting polls opened and staffed on time Tuesday.

Tuesday is the spring primary for the state Supreme Court race and a host of local elections.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission said Monday it has received numerous questions and concerns about the weather from local officials.

According to the commission, the election can’t be rescheduled and polling locations must be opened by 7 a.m. and staffed with at least three election inspectors. Polls must remain open until 8 p.m. and can’t be closed due to bad weather.

There must also be contingency plans in place in case power is lost and there are difficulties running voting equipment or transmitting results, according to the commission.

Editor’s Note: This story was last updated at 3:24 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, with additional information on the primary election Tuesday.