Wisconsin News

Unpredictable winter storm may bring a foot of snow, raging winds this weekend

March 13, 2026

Wisconsinites should be wary of the roads this weekend as heavy, blowing snow threatens to hit a large part of the state beginning Saturday.

Forecasts suggest the worst storms will make it hard for drivers to see even a quarter-mile ahead of them.

It’s still uncertain where in Wisconsin will be hit the heaviest, but some places will likely see 12 to 18 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

Milwaukee County, Dane County and surrounding areas will see a wintry mix of sleet and possible freezing rain on Saturday evening, likely transitioning to heavy snow by Sunday evening and into Monday. Northern Wisconsin could have heavy snow throughout the region. There will also be wind gusts in the 40 to 50 mph range.

“You want to get everything done by about sundown on Saturday, before that heavy snow moves in for the next day or so into Monday morning,” said Dan Baumgardt, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in La Crosse.

Baumgardt said those in the storm path should be prepared to shelter in place with food. Fuel up on gas, and make sure your snowblower is ready.

“When you’re preparing for a storm like this, you have to think a little bit more out of the box,” Baumgardt said.

He says people should be prepared to lose power because the weight of the snow and the wind “causes havoc with trees” and may bring down power lines.

The storm and its anticipated heavy, wet snow is not unusual. In March, Wisconsin typically sees higher levels of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico which can produce large amounts of snowfall.

But Baumgardt said the storm will still have quite an impact.

“This one has a chance in some areas to rival some of the highest snows that we’ve seen over the period of two days,” Baumgardt said. “It’s not one to mess with.”