Latest winter storm could bring minor flooding to the Milwaukee area; 2-6 inches of snow and some ice up north
Just before the end of a February that has brought weekly winter storms, Wisconsinites will see one more that is expected to bring heavy rain to the southeast part of the state and 2-6 inches of snow and some ice to northern portions of Wisconsin.
Here’s what you need to know about how this system will affect you.
Rain in central and southeastern Wisconsin is expected to start at midnight or the early hours of Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, rain will peak from 6 a.m. to noon and is expected to stop anywhere from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday. The weather service predicts that most places will see between 0.75 to 1.5 inches of rain on Monday.
Ahead of the rain the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District is asking Milwaukeeans to try and minimize the amount of water they are using to try and prevent basement backups and sewage overflow into Lake Michigan and the city's rivers. Some suggestions included waiting to do laundry and taking shorter showers.
Because of this prolonged period of rain, forecasters are warning of minor flooding in urban and low-lying areas. Taylor Patterson, a weather service meteorologist, said snow and ice pack coupling with covered drains due to previous storms only enhances the chance of flooding.
“With some portions of the ground still frozen it’s going to be harder for rain to seep into the ground or find drains,” said Patterson. “We are recommending that if you live in these areas that you clear drains and make sure all downspouts are cleared.”
Patterson also mentioned that more central counties, such as Columbia, Marquette and Green Lake, could experience freezing rain in the morning hours.
A strip of counties that includes Trempealeau, Monroe, Winnebago and Brown, are under a winter storm watch as freezing rain is a possibility in those areas.
Much of northern Wisconsin - from Door County and Stevens point northwest to Bayfield and Superior - is under a winter storm warning as colder temperatures could mean 3-6 inches of snow and some ice.
Patterson said places closer to Lake Michigan and Lake Superior are more likely to see heavy snow due to lake enhancement.
“Areas in the north are where we are most worried about freezing rain, but in places near Lake Michigan and Lake Superior we are looking at a real chance of snow,” said Patterson.
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