Winter Storms in Wisconsin
| What Makes a Winter Storm?
Cold air: Below freezing temperatures in the clouds and near the ground are necessary to make snow and ice.
Moisture: Needed to form clouds and precipitation.
Lift: Something to raise the moist air to form clouds
and precipitation, such as a front. |
 |
Where Do Winter Storms Develop?
Storms that affect Wisconsin develop over southeast Colorado, northwest Canada, and over
the southern Plains. These storms move toward the Midwest and use both the southward
plunge of cold air from Canada and the northward flow of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico
to produce heavy snow over the region.
"Alberta Clippers", which develop in the lee of the Canadian Rockies and move southeast
toward Wisconsin, not only bring accumulating snow, but also strong winds and extremely
cold air to the state.
Lake effect snowstorms develop as cold air moves across the relatively warmer waters of
Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Moisture from the lakes is then deposited as heavy snow
within several miles of the shore.
Winter Storms in Wisconsin
|
DATE |
LOCATION |
CHARACTER |
REMARKS |
| 1 |
MAR 2-4, 1881 |
SRN & CNTRL WI |
BLIZZARD |
2' - 4' SNOWFALL, 20 FOOT DRIFTS |
| 2 |
JAN 15, 1887 |
SRN & CNTRL WI |
SNOWSTORM |
2' SNOW, HUGE DRIFTS |
| 3 |
DEC 27-28, 1904 |
SRN & CNTRL WI |
HVY SNOW/ICE |
26" NEILLSVILLE - 24 HOUR STATE
RECORD |
| 4 |
FEB 3-6, 1924 |
SRN WI |
BLIZZARD |
20.3" AT MILWAUKEE, 10' DRIFTS |
| 5 |
NOV 11-12, 1940 |
STATEWIDE |
BLIZZARD |
12 DEATHS, SEVERE DRIFTING |
| 6 |
NOV 6-8, 1943 |
STATEWIDE |
HVY SNOW/ICE |
10" - 18", ROADS BLOCKED FOR
DAYS |
| 7 |
JAN 28-30, 1947 |
SRN & CNTRL WI |
BLIZZARD |
10"-27" , 15' DRIFTS, BLOCKED
ROADS |
| 8 |
OCT 31 - NOV 2, 1991 |
NW & WC WI |
SNOWSTORM |
20"-35" SNOWFALL, HUGE DRIFTS |
| 9 |
JAN 2-3, 1999 |
SRN & CNTRL WI |
BLZD/SNOWSTORM |
10-21" ACCUMS, 50-60 MPH GUSTS,
8' DRIFTS |
| 10 |
MAR 13-14, 1997 |
WC TO NE WI |
SNOWSTORM |
12"-28" SNOWFALL OVER TWO DAYS |
Be Prepared...
Before the Storm Strikes
At home and at work...
Have available:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and commercial radio
- Extra food and water. High energy food or food that requires no cooking is best
- First-aid supplies
- Emergency heating source, such as a fireplace or space heater -- make sure you
have proper ventilation
In cars and trucks...
Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm. If you do travel:
- Check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins
- Carry a winter storm survival kit that includes: blankets/sleeping bags, flashlight
with extra batteries, first-aid kit, knife, high-calorie non-perishable food, extra
clothing to keep dry, sand or cat litter, shovel, windshield scraper and brush,
tool kit, and booster cables
- Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines
- Try not to travel alone
- Let others know your timetable and primary and alternate routes
| When Caught in a Winter Storm |
| Outside |
In a Vehicle |
At Home |
Find Shelter:
- Try to stay dry.
- Cover all exposed parts of body.
No Shelter:
- Prepare a wind-break for protection from the wind.
- Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.
- Place rocks around fire to absorb and reflect heat.
Do Not Eat Snow:
- It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.
|
Stay in Your Vehicle and Run the Motor Sparingly:
- About ten minutes each hour for heat.
- Open the window a bit for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Make sure exhaust pipe is not blocked.
Make Yourself Visible to Rescuers:
- Turn on dome light at night.
- Tie colored cloth to antenna.
|
Stay Inside:
- Make sure you provide proper ventilation when using alternate heat sources.
- If no heat, close off unneeded rooms and stuff towels under doors.
Eat and Drink
- Food supplies heat and non-alcoholic beverages prevent dehydration.
Dress Warmly
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Contributors: Rusty Kapela, Margaret Mooney and Steve Davis, NWS Sullivan; Todd Shea, NWS La Crosse; Jeff Last, NWS Green Bay
URL: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/mkx/flyers/Winter2.php
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