Winter Storm Warning Concerns Grow as Rain Changes to Snow; Slick Roads Expected Tonight

Winter Storm Warning talk is increasing as a storm system moving in from the west brings rain Thursday afternoon ET that will transition to snow Thursday evening ET, creating slick spots on roadways tonight into Friday morning ET and threatening a treacherous morning commute.

Winter Storm Warning: When the Precipitation Changes and Who Sees the Most Snow

Forecasters expect rain to arrive Thursday afternoon ET, with colder air moving in after sunset that will mix with and then change over the precipitation to snow Thursday evening ET. The heaviest accumulations are forecast north of an imaginary line stretching from Waterloo to Prairie du Chien, where 2 to 4 inches of snow are possible. Areas south of that line will see lighter amounts, ranging from a trace up to 2 inches. Meteorologists note that a few degrees' difference in temperature could shift these totals, so final amounts may vary by neighborhood.

Travel Impacts, Timing and Short-Term Outlook

The transition from rain to snow is expected to create slick spots on roadways tonight into Friday morning ET, making the commute treacherous for drivers during peak travel times. Conditions should improve as the system departs, with Friday becoming windy but drier. Despite clearing skies, temperatures are forecast to remain chilly through the weekend, maintaining a risk for lingering slick surfaces on untreated roads and walkways.

This still-developing situation carries potential for localized impacts: timing of the changeover and small temperature differences could push some neighborhoods from a light coating to multiple inches. Residents and travelers should be prepared for slippery conditions Thursday night into Friday morning ET and plan for slower travel until roads have been cleared and treated.

Updates are expected as the system moves through and forecasters refine the timing and snowfall totals. For now, the main takeaways are that rain will arrive Thursday afternoon ET, switch to snow Thursday evening ET, produce the heaviest accumulations north of the Waterloo–Prairie du Chien line (2 to 4 inches), and create hazardous driving conditions tonight into Friday morning ET before drier, windy conditions set in on Friday.