Area faces storm warning

A winter storm warning is in effect today for Superior and Douglas, Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Sawyer and Iron counties in Northwestern Wisconsin and Pine County along Interstate 35 in Minnesota.

From six to 11 inches of snow is possible in the warning area, according the National Weather Service office in Duluth. It will be accompanied by gusty winds, causing blowing and drifting snow. Winds are expected to be highest in the Twin Ports.

Snow is expected to be heaviest this afternoon, when 3-6 inches are expected, with another 3-5 inches possible tonight, forecasters said. Travel could be very hazardous or impossible due to reduced visibilities.

In Northeastern Minnesota, snow accumulation totals are expected to range from 3-6 inches except in the area around Hinckley, which is included in the warning area.

All of Wisconsin will be hit by either be hit by snow, sleet or rain, adding to flood concerns in the central region, where rivers already are swollen, the National Weather Service said.

Portions of west-central Wisconsin could get six to nine inches of snowfall that could turn to sleet in the afternoon, according to the Associated Press. Southern counties are expected to get one to two inches of rain today. Because rivers in those areas have filled with snowmelt, the rain forecast has prompted a number of flood warnings, several affecting rivers in the Milwaukee area.

Meteorologists say the Fox River in Kenosha County and Rock River in Jefferson County are approaching their flood stages.

Tags: snow, weather, douglas, county, rain