Travel Not Advised
MARSHFIELD (OnFocus) A blizzard warning has been issued for Marathon County and much of Central Wisconsin. Wind gusts of 55 MPH are expected throughout the day on Sunday. Snow has been accumulating at a rate of 1-2 inches per hour. Visibility has been reduced to a quarter mile or less.
Roadways throughout Central and Northern Wisconsin are being reported as ice covered and snow covered. According to the Wisconsin DOT State highways are not advised for travel in the area. For an up-to-date road report visit 511wi.gov
Stanley Police Department advised residents to stay home through a social media post that read: “No travel is advised at this time. Do not attempt to leave your residence unless an emergency would require as there is a strong possibility that you and your vehicle will become stranded. Emergency service vehicles are unable to navigate many areas at this time due to the blizzard like conditions, causing units to become stuck in the snow.”
Several additional law enforcement agencies throughout Central Wisconsin have encouraged their citizens to avoid traveling today through similar messages (read below).
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Weather Statement and Blizzard Warning.
Issued by the National Weather Service
For Marathon County, Wisconsin
Special Weather statement until 6:15am cst Sunday. Travel will be difficult if not impossible today into this evening. Heavy snow with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour and visibilities of a quarter of a mile or less are expected to gradually end from south to north by mid to late morning. Although the heavy snow will come to an end, falling snow and westerly winds of 25 to 40 mph with gusts of 45 to 55 mph will create blizzard conditions later this morning into this evening. Visibilities at times will be down to zero, making travel extremely difficult if not impossible. Do not travel unless it is absolutely necessary! Additional snowfall totals of 3 to 7 inches are expected across the north and 1 to 3 inches across central wisconsin. The combination of a coating of snow and ice on trees and power lines, and the strong winds will lead to sporadic damage to trees and power lines. Power outages are anticipated today! Conditions should gradually improve later this evening.
