Wisconsin Hit With Blizzard Emergency, 19.3 Inches of Snow
Wisconsin's governor issued a blizzard emergency as 19.3 inches of snow fell in some areas of the state on March 15.
"As we prepare for significant snowfall that could impact much of our state, I’m declaring a state of emergency to prepare. The state stands ready to assist and support folks and local partners across our state," Governor Tony Evers wrote on March 14. "Stay safe, plan ahead, and take good care, Wisconsin."
On March 15, the blizzard materialized, and it was expected to carry over into Monday. "A blizzard warning is in effect for all of southeast Wisconsin, bringing strong wind, snow and low visibility," WISN-TV reported. And further north, the blizzard was already occurring.
"The highest report in Central Wisconsin so far was 19.3 inches reported at 9:55 a.m.," The Stevens Point Journal reported. The National Weather Service's Green Bay office wrote, "Dangerous travel conditions continue this evening and tonight. Despite a lull in the snow this evening, winds gusting 35 to 50 mph will lead to reduced visibility with blowing and drifting snow. Additional dry, fluffy snow will develop later this evening and overnight. This snow, combined with the strong winds will produce whiteouts at times. Avoid any unnecessary travel!"
The National Weather Service was warning of more snow for March 16. "A major winter storm will bring widespread blizzard conditions across the Northern Plains, upper Midwest and upper Great Lakes today along with widespread high winds through the mid-section of the country," NWS wrote on March 15.
The Most 'Severe Blizzard Conditions' Were Predicted for Northeastern Wisconsin & Upper Michigan
(Photo by Patrick McPartland/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Blizzard warnings "have been issued from eastern South Dakota across much of the upper Midwest and into upper Great Lakes region," the National Weather Service wrote.
"The most severe blizzard conditions will likely impact areas from northeastern Wisconsin to Upper Michigan during the day today when a couple of feet of very heavy snow is likely ahead of the cyclone center together with strong and gusty winds," NWS added.
"These will be followed by additional heavy snow and blowing snow on Monday as the center of the cyclone moves closer and passes just to the southeast," according to NWS. "The intense cyclone will begin to move away into southeastern Canada later on Monday. However, the huge circulation of this system will take time to exit the Great Lakes and the eastern U.S. Snow and blowing snow along with frigid conditions will be slow to diminish on Monday across the Great Lakes region, with lake-effect snows downwind from the Great Lakes into Tuesday morning."
Area Police Departments Posted Blizzard Warnings on Social Media
Wisconsin Police Departments warned people to stay off the roads. "A Snow Emergency is in effect from 9:00 PM Saturday 3/14 through 6:00 PM Monday 3/16/2026. If you can stay home, please do. Road conditions will deteriorate rapidly," the Wausau Police Department wrote.
The City of Neenah also declared a snow emergency, writing, "Mayor Jane Lang has declared this Snow Emergency due to the forecast of 12–18 inches of snow. During a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on all city streets to allow crews to clear snow and keep routes open for emergency vehicles."
The National Weather Service's Milwaukee office warned, "Snow continues to fill in across the area, with an area of mixed precipitation moving out of far SE WI. Expect snow rates up to one quarter inch per hour with the snow, with snow covered roads. Heavy snow rates up to 1 inch per hour with blizzard conditions should then move north into south central WI by midnight and spread east overnight. Deteriorating travel conditions are expected. Stay off the roads!"