Winter Storm Warning Begins 2 P.M. Friday

WISCONSIN -- The National Weather Service is issuing a winter storm warning, which goes into effect at 2 pm Friday, Dec. 16. Expect accumulating snow to spread from west to east between 1 and 3 pm and persist through late evening.

The heavier snow rates will be this evening.

The National Weather Service is reporting that the winter storm warning is in effect until 9 pm Saturday. A second surge of snow is expected from mid Saturday morning through early evening. Lake-effect snow is expected Saturday evening adding to snow rates in the lake shore counties. Total accumulations of 7 to 12 inches of snow is forecast. The lesser amounts are expected west and southwest of Madison.

Blowing and drifting will become a problem Saturday afternoon and Saturday night. Very cold temperatures and wind chills will return to the area from late Saturday night into Monday morning. Wind chill advisories will likely be needed with lowest wind chills of 20 below to 30 below.

Key Facts from the National Weather Service
A winter storm warning remains in effect from 2 pm this afternoon to 9 pm cst Saturday.

* Snow accumulations...7 to 11 inches this afternoon through Saturday. Expect the heaviest snow late this afternoon into the evening. Another round of heavier snow is expected from mid Saturday morning into Saturday evening.

* Significant reductions in visibility are expected at times. Gusty northwest winds on Saturday into Saturday night will cause blowing and drifting snow.

* Impacts...Hazardous travel due to snow covered roads are expected this afternoon through Saturday night. This will impact the afternoon commute and travel plans this evening into Saturday night.

* Precautionary/preparedness actions...A winter storm warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous.

>>> image via patch.com/national weather service