Wisconsin Weather: 8-10 Inches Of Snow; Storm Watch Issued

MILWAUKEE, WI — The National Weather Service says a winter snowstorm will pound the northern half of Wisconsin with at least six inches of snow, leaving Thanksgiving travel plans in the hands of those willing to brave the storm. The storm is expected to cut the state in half, with rain, sleet and high winds passing over the southern part of the state.

"Enjoy today as it will be the best day of the coming week. Rain will spread in later Tuesday and Tuesday night with windy conditions expected on Wednesday along with a chance for rain and snow shows. Dry conditions are expected on Thursday with a chance for light rain and snow returning on Friday," NWS officials said this week.

"Travel could be significantly impacted through at least Wednesday morning. Snow will develop across southern Minnesota late Tuesday afternoon and spread northeastward across central Minnesota and western Wisconsin Tuesday night. The snow may be heavy at times. Snow will end from west to east Wednesday morning, but blowing snow could continue into the afternoon."

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There should be few weather-related travel issues through Tuesday morning, forecasters say. Things get challenging after that.

"Travel is expected to be severely impacted through at least Wednesday morning," the NWS adds. "Consider altering your travel plans, if possible.

Here's the NWS forecast for the metro Milwaukee area. Stay with Patch as the storm approaches:

Tuesday
A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 3 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. Northwest wind 5 to 10 miles per hour becoming east 10 to 15 miles per hour in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night
Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 9 p.m. Low around 39. East wind around 15 mph becoming south after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 miles per hour. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Wednesday
Rain likely before 5 p.m. then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 36 by 5 p.m. Windy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph becoming west 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 miles per hour. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Windy, with a northwest wind 20 to 25 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 40 miles per hour.

Thanksgiving Day
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. Northeast wind 5 to 10 miles per hour.

Thursday Night
Cloudy, with a low around 31. Northeast wind around 5 miles per hour becoming southeast after midnight.

Friday
A chance of rain after noon, mixing with snow after 5 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 39. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Friday Night
Rain and snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.