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Winter weather advisories and winter storm warnings are in effect across Southeast Wisconsin as rain and storms give way to heavy snow and wind. WISN has been tracking the system: rain and scattered thunderstorms through Saturday (15 March 2026), with a transition to snow Sunday night and impacts expected into Monday morning.
Southeast Wisconsin Weather: What We Know So Far
As of the morning of 15 March 2026, WISN reported rain moving across the area with a winter weather advisory and winter storm warnings going into effect that evening. Meteorologist Gino Recchia noted that the Milwaukee area and points south would stay in the warm sector for much of Saturday with temperatures reaching the lower 50s and breezy winds, before an area of low pressure tracks through southern Wisconsin and colder air wraps in on the backside. That transition is when rain is expected to change over to snow, with some heavy snow at times, reduced visibility, and difficult road conditions. Snow is expected to continue into early Monday morning, with impacts for the morning commute before tapering off during the afternoon.
Snowfall totals in WISN’s forecast varied by location: 1 to 3 inches for far southern counties (Kenosha, Racine), 3 to 6 inches for a band from Lake Geneva through Waukesha, Whitewater, and up to Port Washington, and 6 to 9 inches for areas including Dodge County, Fond du Lac County, western parts of Jefferson County, and a portion of Sheboygan County. Wind gusts were already in the 20 to near 40 mph range during the morning, with stronger winds expected as the system moves through. Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula were under blizzard warnings in some areas, with much higher snow totals possible there; Southeast Wisconsin was not expected to see those extremes but was under winter weather alerts.
Other outlets, including WTMJ and Fox 11, have reported on the same system. Winter Storm Elsa has been used to refer to the storm affecting eastern Wisconsin, with Winter Storm Warnings in effect from Saturday evening through Monday afternoon in some areas. WISN’s forecast noted that before the snow moved in there was a risk of scattered showers and storms on Saturday, with a chance of gusty winds and small hail in places, though no widespread severe weather was expected. Temperatures were forecast to drop into the 20s by Sunday and Monday before moderating midweek. Fox 11 reported more than a foot of snow likely for much of the region, with winds gusting to around 50 mph and blizzard conditions possible. Travel was expected to be difficult or impossible in the worst-affected periods, and several communities had announced or were planning snow emergencies and parking bans. Readers should check local government and highway department sources for the latest on road conditions, closures, and snow emergency declarations. Garbage and recycling collection in some communities may be delayed or suspended.
Key Points at a Glance
- Winter weather advisories and winter storm warnings in effect for Southeast Wisconsin as of 15 March 2026.
- Rain and scattered thunderstorms Saturday; transition to snow Sunday night with heavy snow at times and poor visibility.
- Snow totals from 1–3 inches (south) to 6–9 inches (northern parts of the region); wind gusts to 40 mph or higher.
- Monday morning commute expected to be impacted; snow tapers off during the afternoon.
- Blizzard conditions possible in northern Wisconsin; Southeast Wisconsin under winter storm and advisory alerts.
What You Should Do
Follow guidance from the National Weather Service, local emergency management, and your city or county. Check WISN and other local news for the latest forecast and any watches or warnings. If you must travel, allow extra time and be prepared for poor visibility and slick roads. Verify any school or business closures through official channels before making decisions. Road and utility crews across the region were preparing for the storm; respect snow emergencies and parking bans where declared.
What Is Winter Storm Elsa?
Winter Storm Elsa is the name given by weather media to the system affecting the Upper Midwest in mid-March 2026. It brought heavy snow, strong winds, and blizzard conditions to parts of Wisconsin and neighbouring states. Naming helps the public track a specific storm across multiple days and outlets; the same system may be referenced under different names or no name by local broadcasters. For Southeast Wisconsin, the main impacts are rain changing to snow, significant accumulation in places, and hazardous travel Sunday night into Monday. Official alerts and totals can change; the National Weather Service and local broadcasters provide the most current information.