MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – A heavy hitting storm bringing heavy rain and snow targets Wisconsin, packing a slushy and icy mess with it and whiteout conditions.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for areas extending from Eau Claire to Rhinelander and north.

A Winter Weather Advisory touches La Crosse to Steven’s Point and into Shawano. It also includes Superior.

This major storm, is packing a punch… bringing a lot of moisture along with it. This will first fall in the form of scattered rain showers Tuesday, as temperatures stay warm.

Rain ramps up and becomes more steady into the night. A widespread well over 1″ of rain is possible in the southern half of Wisconsin. Which will lead to some flooding and ponding of water in places. Ice jams are also a risk as rivers swell and ice breaks apart and flows downstream.

Overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday is when the precipitation will flip over to snow. A flash freeze, with a layer of ice under it, snow will pile up rather quickly. Winds will also be whipping up to 40mph, creating whiteout conditions. Travel will be treacherous starting Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning.

Storm Track & Model Accumulations

It’ll also be a heavy, wet and slushy type of snow. Which makes it more difficult to clear. Shovel in shifts and take breaks. This is coined “heart attack snow“, simply because it often causes them. What’s happening is the cold is restricting blood flow and then the sudden exertion to shovel, can be deadly. Try to push the snow with a shovel rather than lifting and tossing it.

Accumulations are expected to be over a half of a foot in portions of northern Wisconsin, with the southern parts of the state picking up significantly less snowfall.

Forecast details Monday, March 3rd.

Snow totals will stay under an inch for the major cities in Wisconsin, like Milwaukee, Madison and Green Bay. In areas under a Winter Weather Advisory you may reach around 3-5″. The heavy hitting snow will pile up 6-9″ with some spots getting more in the Winter Storm Warning. Lake effect will play a role along the snowbelt of Lake Superior, as well. Totals in Hurley and near Ashland could reach near 2 feet!

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