WRN file photo
Some possible severe winter weather could result in a messy and dangerous start to the holiday travel season.
Up to ten inches of snow is expected to hit parts of the state this weekend, starting Saturday night and running through most of the day Sunday. The National Weather Service currently projects the heaviest snowfall will be seen in south central and southeast Wisconsin, although most of the state could see four inches or more by the time the storm passes.
Wisconsin Emergency Management’s Tod Pritchard says the snow will likely result in hazardous travel conditions across most of the state. Given the large amount of snow, which is expected to be wet and heavy, he says local road crews will be struggling to keep roadways clear in many areas.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:00)
The storm comes at a time when many people will be planning to get on the road to celebrate Christmas with family. For those planning on leaving Sunday, Pritchard says “if you can at all change your travel plans…I would do so. I think driving anywhere, Saturday overnight hours into Sunday, is just going to be treacherous all across the state.”
For those traveling by air, Pritchard expects that flying out of airports in Madison and Milwaukee will be difficult, with passengers most likely facing long delays.
Pritchard suggests residents consider stocking up on emergency supplies on Saturday to help them deal with the storm. Food, batteries, bottled water, and extra blankets can all be helpful, in the event you get stuck at home for a few days or lose power while the snow is falling.