Brace Yourself! Freezing Rain & Dangerous Wintry Mix Sweeping Across the State

While some may be happy with a warm-up this weekend and bundling up less, others are at risk on the roads.

After temperatures plummeted to sub-zero this week, we are warming up significantly over the weekend. Temperatures across the state are expected to reach the mid to upper 30s on Saturday and continue to climb into the low 40s on Sunday.

This spike in heat is only because of a bigger problem, though. A “Colorado Low” pressure system is taking aim at Wisconsin. It’s expected to swing right through the state on Saturday. Bringing a messy wintry mix with ice accumulations along with it.

It’ll spread statewide throughout the evening as the system lifts northward, and the south sees a switch to regular rain. Meanwhile, the north winds up with a wintry mix and light ice at night.

The state should flip to all rain and sit in above-freezing temperatures on Sunday.

So yes, this means no shoveling is required! However, it does mean avoiding the roads from Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning. Before those temps climb above freezing, be careful on your stairs, driveway, sidewalks, parking lots, ramps, bridges, and side roads.

These places can catch you and slide you by surprise. Also, practice proper ice safety if going out to fish this weekend with the warm-up. Some sheets of ice may look safe to walk on at first glance, but not every body of water has been cold enough for long enough at this point in the season.

People planning to get out on the ice for some fishing should check with their local fishing clubs, bring the proper safety equipment with them, and tell people where they’re going and when they expect to return. You need at least 4” of ice thickness to walk out safely.

Impacts On Travel And Safety

Travelers should exercise caution as they navigate the roads this morning. The combination of rain and freezing rain is likely to create icy patches that can significantly reduce visibility and traction. Motorists are advised to slow down and maintain increased following distances to accommodate for potentially slippery conditions.

The NWS has highlighted that while some areas may see only light precipitation, localized pockets of freezing rain could lead to more severe conditions.

In addition to travel hazards, residents should be aware of the potential for power outages due to ice accumulation on trees and power lines. The weight of the ice can cause branches to break and fall, leading to downed lines and disrupted services.

Therefore, it is prudent for residents to prepare for possible outages by ensuring they have adequate supplies and alternative lighting sources.