A heavy snowstorm is expected to hit the Upper Midwest on Friday afternoon, and it could last into Saturday morning, with AccuWeather saying a 1,000-mile stretch of land from Utah to western Michigan may be impacted.
Snow of up to 12 inches is expected in Wisconsin, while parts of Iowa could get up to 10 inches, according to The National Weather Service (NWS).
The NWS warned that there would be heavy snow from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning across the Upper Midwest. A winter storm watch will be in effect in Wisconsin from 3 p.m. Friday until 12 p.m Saturday for Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Florence, Marinette, Lincoln, Langlade, Menominee, Oconto County, Marathon. Shawano-Wood, Portage, Waupaca, Southern Marinette County, and Southern Oconto County.
The cities of Spread Eagle, New London, Keshena, Mountain, Antigo, Neopit, Harmony, High Falls Reservoir, Eagle River, Crivitz, Clintonville, Townsend, Waupaca, Marshfield, Lakewood, Wausau, Lac Du Flambeau, Aurora, Oconto, Little Suamico, Porterfield, Middle Inlet, Loomis, Rhinelander, Tomahawk, Crandon, Plover, Commonwealth, Peshtigo, Merrill, Brookside, Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, Shawano, Sobieski, Niagara, Pensaukee, and Wausaukee are also affected by the weather warning.
Those counties and cities could get anywhere between 6 and 12 inches of snow, the NWS said.
"Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 and 12 inches. Locally higher totals are possible. A light glaze is also possible. Winds gusting to 30 to 45 mph may produce considerable blowing and drifting snow late tonight into Saturday," the NWS reported.
"Travel could be very difficult. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute," it added.
"If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1."
Door County, Outagamie County, Brown County, Kewaunee County, Waushara County and Winnebago County, as well as the cities of Green Bay, Redgranite, Menasha, Neenah, Sister Bay, Wautoma, Fish Creek, Oshkosh, Sturgeon Bay, Kewaunee, Luxemburg, and Appleton are also affected between 3 p.m. Friday and noon on Saturday.
The NWS said those counties will see snow between 2 and 5 inches and ice accumulations less than a tenth of an inch.
"Winds gusting 30 to 45 mph may lead to considerable blowing and drifting snow. The snow may transition to a period of rain from late evening into the early overnight hours," it said.
It warned of slippery road conditions for travelers and that blowing snow may significantly reduce visibility. It urged commuters to slow down and use caution when traveling.
Parts of Iowa, including in Sioux City could get 3 to 7 inches of snow on Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Sheldon could get 6 to 10 inches. Storm Lake could get 3 to 6 inches. Carroll and Onawa could get 1 to 4 inches. Snow will reach Ames, but less than one inch is expected, according to the NWS.
