WAUSAU, Wis. – North central Wisconsin is bracing for significant winter weather as a snowstorm is set to hit the region, particularly on Wednesday, just in time for Thanksgiving travels. A combination of snowfall, gusty winds, and chilly temperatures will create hazardous conditions for those planning to be on the roads.
Residents in the region are currently under various winter advisories, with a Winter Weather Advisory south of Highway 64, a Winter Storm Warning around Highway 8, and a Blizzard Warning in the far Northwoods. These advisories and warnings are expected to expire either on Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning. The far Northwoods, which includes Ashland, Iron, and Vilas Counties, could see over a foot of snow, with some areas possibly receiving more than two feet. Along Highway 8, snowfall totals are estimated between 6 to 12 inches, while regions south of there can expect around 3 to 6 inches. Areas around Highway 29 and Highway 10 may receive between 1 to 3 inches of snow, with totals decreasing as you move southward.
Wednesday will bring not just snow but also strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 40-45 mph, creating challenging visibility and travel conditions. On Thanksgiving Day, winds will decrease slightly but will still be significant, with gusts of 30-35 mph expected. Visibility on the roads may drop to as low as a quarter of a mile during the storm, especially where heavy snowfall occurs. While visibility may improve once snowfall ceases, blowing snow will remain a concern into Thanksgiving Day.
The cold front accompanying this storm will also affect temperatures, with highs reaching the mid to upper 20s and wind chills feeling as low as 10 to 20 degrees. The chilly conditions will trend colder into Thursday and Friday morning, with wind chills potentially dropping into single digits.
Looking beyond Thanksgiving, another snow event is anticipated over the weekend, particularly from Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning. While it’s too soon to determine exact snowfall amounts, it appears that areas further southeast may experience higher accumulations. There’s a possibility of issuing a First Alert Weather Day for late Saturday into early Sunday as more details become clearer.
As families prepare for Thanksgiving, it’s crucial to pay attention to the weather updates and exercise caution when traveling. This winter weather serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by seasonal changes and the importance of planning accordingly.