Tough Driving and Power Outages: Strong Winds to Sweep Through Area

WISCONSIN -- After a round of light snow fell on Wisconsin overnight Monday into Tuesday, rain, freezing rain, and icy conditions have settled in. But an additional hazard is facing residents starting this afternoon as high winds sweep through the area.

A wind advisory is in effect from 3 pm this afternoon until midnight tonight. West winds of 20 to 30 mph, with wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph are expected with the passage of a strong cold front.

According to the National Weather Service, strong low pressure moving through the region will result in strong westerly winds, with wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph possible.

These winds may be strong enough to down tree branches, resulting in power outages, the National Weather Service is reporting.

South winds have brought above freezing temperatures into the area, allowing for precipitation to change over to all rain. Treated roads will remain wet into this afternoon. Untreated roads may remain slippery until early this afternoon.

A brief change over of rain back to snow is possible later this afternoon north and west of Madison. Up to one half inch of snowfall is possible before the precipitation ends by evening.

>>> image via Patch.com file photo