• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Winter storm watch upgraded to warning

A winter storm watch for the Janesville area has been upgraded to a winter storm warning for Saturday.

From the National Weather Service:

The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a winter storm warning, which is in effect from 12 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday. The winter storm watch is no longer in effect.

Snow is expected to develop Saturday morning across southern Wisconsin and become heavy at times by afternoon. Snow amounts are expected to range from 2 to 4 inches south of Interstate 94 with nearly 7 inches around the Wisconsin Dells, Fond du Lac and Sheboygan areas with locally higher amounts.

The precipitation is then expected to change to sleet by late afternoon and then to freezing rain by early evening from south to north.

A significant amount of ice could accumulate on top of the snow by late Saturday night. current indications show widespread accumulations of ice totaling one quarter to one third of an inch will fall on top of the snow with locally higher amounts possible.

Travel conditions will deteriorate quickly with the onset of the accumulating snow and may become nearly impossible with the freezing rain during the evening. Ice accumulations will end as temperatures rise above freezing late Saturday night, but residual ice on roadways and structures will likely persist through at least early Sunday morning.

Ice accumulations such as these may cause considerable tree and power line damage with widespread power outages. In addition, southeast winds gusting to 30 mph will further stress ice-laden structures. Ice accumulations would likely be highest away from the warmer shores of Lake Michigan. Now is the time to prepare for possible power outages.

In addition to the wintry precipitation, elevated instability may promote the development of isolated thunderstorms. Any thunderstorms that occur would bring very heavy precipitation.

A winter storm warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice are expected. Strong winds with gusts to 30 mph are also expected, which will further reduce visibilities. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible, especially Saturday evening.