Driving is expected to be especially treacherous across Wisconsin today, and could have life-threatening impacts. The state Department of Transportation is advising motorists to cancel or delay travel plans. A winter storm warning is currently in effect statewide through Friday afternoon, with hazardous travel likely over the next two days, according to the DOT. Conditions are expected to change rapidly. Heavy snow and high winds will result in blizzard conditions and hazardous driving. Additionally, there is potential for significant travel impacts into Friday, with relatively heavy travel anticipated due to the extended holiday weekend.
Snow fall is intensifying across the central part of the state along a path extending from Madison in the Southwest towards Green Bay in the Northeast. Total accumulations throughout the day and into the evening could exceed one foot. In the Southeast near Milwaukee, rain will begin to freeze and change to snow this afternoon, creating very hazardous driving conditions during afternoon rush hour. Interstate and state highway travelers particularly commercial vehicles are likely to find travel through Wisconsin between Chicago and the Twin Cities very difficult, and may encounter life-threatening conditions.