(SULLIVAN – WTMJ) A storm system expected to move through Southeast Wisconsin Thursday could include a brief period of heavy snow during the afternoon drive.
During a web briefing on Dec. 17, the National Weather Service (NWS) indicated a period of “brief but intense snowfall” and gusty winds is expected along an arctic front during the afternoon following earlier rainfall. The front will cross southern Wisconsin from 2 PM through 7 p.m., coincident with the afternoon commute.
NWS indicated Snow Squall Warnings may be needed during a portion of the afternoon commute.
“I expect a band of snow, perhaps heavy, across at least parts of southern Wisconsin late Thursday afternoon,” said WTMJ Meteorologist Craig Koplein. “There remains uncertainty regarding exactly what this may look like, how expansive it will be, and how great the impact will be, but concern is heightened given the recent model output.”
A snow squall can bring sudden white-out conditions and light snow accumulation on roads, even if the heaviest snow falls for a brief period.
“We could see enough convection with any snow showers that develop [Thursday] afternoon, that we could get some heavy bursts of snow,” Storm Team 4 Chief Meteorologist Brian Niznansky told Wisconsin’s Midday News on Dec. 17.
Temperatures will quickly drop below freezing behind the front. Any puddles or slush and snow on roads will quickly turn to ice.
