Wisconsin Grapples with Intense Winter Storm
Wisconsin's county executive has announced a snow emergency, leading to the closure of non-essential county departments for the safety of employees. Additional closures include the county courthouse, a youth and family justice center, a popular zoo, and a health and human services center, with the exception of mobile crisis teams for behavioral health.
Blizzard Warnings Across the State
Blizzard warnings have been issued throughout east-central, south-central, and southeast Wisconsin, with severe winter weather conditions expected to persist. The combination of falling and blowing snow and strong winds, reaching up to 45 miles per hour, could result in whiteout conditions, making travelling extremely dangerous. This could greatly affect visibilities, dropping them to below a quarter of a mile, especially during the Monday morning commute.
Advice For Northern Residents
Reports of vehicle crashes, power outages, and impassable stretches of highway have led to the Wisconsin State Emergency Operations Center coordinating with state agencies to assist stranded drivers. Residents in the northern parts of the state are being advised to limit their travel strictly to emergencies. Shelters have been set up in various towns for those affected by the storm.
Education Institutions on Lockdown
With the entire state under a blizzard warning, numerous school districts have announced a closure on Monday. These include public schools, school districts, and high schools as well. Some institutions are opting for virtual learning. In places where the warning is critical, several schools have shut their doors for the day.
Power Outages
High winds have led to power outages, leaving thousands of customers in southeast Wisconsin without electricity. Power companies have stated that they are working to restore power to affected customers, while also addressing new outages caused by the ongoing storm. People are advised to stay clear of downed power lines by at least 25 feet and report them immediately to law enforcement and the power company.
Starting as Rain
The storm began as rain with milder temperatures expected, accompanied by freezing rain or a wintry mix, and even the possibility of thunderstorms in some areas.
Snowfall Predictions
Some areas in Wisconsin could see up to 30 inches or more of snowfall, with a blizzard warning in place and continuous heavy snowfall forecasted. The northern half of the state is experiencing the brunt of the storm, with some parts receiving as much as 4 inches of snow per hour.
Travel Advisory
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has issued a 'Do not travel' advisory across much of northeastern Wisconsin, warning against traveling on all roads due to potentially life-threatening whiteout conditions. Road conditions have worsened to a 'critical' level in several counties, with many roads potentially impassable.
Blizzard vs Winter Storm Warning
A blizzard warning is issued when winds reach 35 mph or higher, combined with falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to less than a quarter mile for at least three hours. A winter storm watch, on the other hand, indicates conditions are favorable for a significant winter event, while a winter storm warning means a winter weather event is expected to bring more than one hazard.
State of Emergency Declared
As a potentially record-breaking winter storm hits Wisconsin, the state's governor has declared a state of emergency. The storm, which began on Saturday, has already caused widespread power outages, closures, and dangerous road conditions throughout Wisconsin. Additional snowfall and wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph are expected in some places.