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Winter Storm Warning extended

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From the National Weather Service:

The winter storm warning has been extended until 6 p.m.

Snow will continue across all of southern Wisconsin today. The heaviest snow is expected across portions of southern Wisconsin toward daybreak and continue through the midday hours.

A burst of one inch of snow in an hour’s time between now and 4:30 am is expected in the Janesville, Elkhorn, Racine, Milwaukee and Kenosha areas. As the snow ends, winds will briefly gust to between 30 and 45 mph, creating local blizzard conditions with significant blowing and drifting of snow.

Otherwise early this morning, the snow may be very heavy with rapid accumulations and visibilities less than one quarter mile. Thundersnow and 2 to 3 inch per hour snowfall rates are possible from about 5 a.m to 10 a.m. this morning in southeast Wisconsin during the height of the winter storm.

So far between 2 and 5 inches has fallen across southern Wisconsin with highest amounts near the Illinois border. This is just a preview of what is to come.

Expected snowfall totals by late this afternoon will range from 6 to 8 inches in the Montello and Wisconsin Dells areas. Eight to 12 inches of snow are expected from Sheboygan to Beaver Dam and Madison. Between 12 and 18 inches are expected from Monroe and Janesville to Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, West Bend and Port Washington. There may be a sharp cutoff with less snow amounts from southern Walworth County to Racine and Kenosha counties. However, these areas will likely receive 8 to 12 inches.

In addition to the snow, strong north to northeast winds gusting up to 35 mph will produce considerable blowing and drifting snow creating near blizzard conditions, especially near Lake Michigan and also in inland rural locations. Snow drifts of 2 to 4 feet are likely and may be higher in exposed areas that favor drifting with north to northeast winds.

Travel is expected to become treacherous by the morning rush hour Wednesday. Storms of this magnitude are capable of crippling the morning rush hour, especially in the Milwaukee metro area. All interests should keep abreast of the latest forecast and be prepared to alter your travel plans this morning. Be sure your vehicles fuel tank is at least half-full.