Weather Alert in Wisconsin

Recent Locations: Chili, WI

Winter Storm Watch issued March 13 at 9:36PM CDT until March 16 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan WI

AREAS AFFECTED: Marquette; Green Lake; Fond Du Lac; Sheboygan; Sauk; Columbia; Dodge; Washington; Ozaukee

DESCRIPTION: ...A PROLONGED WINTER WEATHER EVENT IS EXPECTED THROUGH THE LAST HALF OF THE WEEKEND AND THROUGH MONDAY... .A strong late winter storm system is expected to impact southern Wisconsin during the last half of the weekend in 3 phases: The first phase will run from Saturday night into Sunday morning and will feature a Winter Weather Advisory. During this time, snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected in the advisory area along with the potential for around a tenth of an inch of ice accumulation. The second phase is then expected from Sunday late morning into Sunday afternoon as warm air causes a transition to rain over a majority of southern Wisconsin. Thunderstorms may occur during this time. The last phase will then run from late Sunday afternoon through Monday as cold air then wraps back into the area and heavy banded snow moves in. Snowfall totals from 5 to 9 inches will result. A light glaze of ice may also occur, especially over central and east central Wisconsin. Wind gusts up to 45 mph will cause blowing snow and visibility restrictions. Hazardous travel is expected during both headline time frames. * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 1 and 3 inches. Ice accumulations around one tenth of an inch, up to a quarter inch of ice in spots. Highest amounts for both snow and ice will occur toward central Wisconsin. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 9 inches. A light glaze of ice may occur. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph causing blowing snow and visibility restrictions. * WHERE...Portions of east central, south central, and southeast Wisconsin. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 7 PM Saturday to 10 AM CDT Sunday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages.

INSTRUCTION: Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

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Weather Topic: What are Cirrus Clouds?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Cirrus Clouds

Next Topic: Condensation

Cirrus clouds are high-level clouds that occur above 20,000 feet and are composed mainly of ice crystals. They are thin and wispy in appearance.

What do they indicate?
They are often the first sign of an approaching storm.

Next Topic: Condensation

Weather Topic: What are Contrails?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Contrails

Next Topic: Cumulonimbus Clouds

A contrail is an artificial cloud, created by the passing of an aircraft.

Contrails form because water vapor in the exhaust of aircraft engines is suspended in the air under certain temperatures and humidity conditions. These contrails are called exhaust contrails.

Another type of contrail can form due to a temporary reduction in air pressure moving over the plane's surface, causing condensation. These are called aerodynamic contrails.

When you can see your breath on a cold day, it is also because of condensation. The reason contrails last longer than the condensation from your breath is because the water in contrails freezes into ice particles.

Next Topic: Cumulonimbus Clouds