Who is involved
As of April 2, 2026, Wisconsin is grappling with severe winter storm warnings affecting at least 13 counties. The National Weather Service has issued these warnings in response to the impacts of Winter Storm Joseline and Winter Storm Kadence, which are currently sweeping through parts of the northern United States. The situation has escalated quickly, with heavy mixed precipitation beginning to fall across northern and north central Wisconsin since April 1, 2026.
Before this development, the expectation for early April was relatively mild, as many residents were preparing for the transition into spring. However, the arrival of these winter storms has dramatically altered conditions, with freezing rain and sleet accumulating and creating hazardous travel situations. This decisive moment has led to warnings being issued for counties including Barron, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, and others, indicating the widespread nature of the threat.
The immediate effects of these storms have been significant. Travel conditions are expected to be difficult on major interstates such as 94, 29, 35, and 90 due to the accumulation of snow and ice. Reports indicate that snow accumulations of 6 inches or more are anticipated across parts of the Dakotas, northern Minnesota, and extreme northwest Wisconsin. Furthermore, the storms have caused power outages affecting thousands of residents, with approximately 12,000 Wisconsin Public Service customers, 9,000 Alliant Energy customers, and 4,700 We Energies customers currently without power.
Expert voices have weighed in on the situation, highlighting the severity of the storms. Gus Kaiser, a meteorologist, noted, “We’re still seeing quite a bit of freezing rain and sleet occurring here this morning.” This statement underscores the ongoing nature of the storm’s impact. Kaiser also mentioned that another storm system is “coming through hot on this one’s heels,” indicating that the situation may worsen before it improves.
As the storms continue to develop, residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for further disruptions. The combination of freezing rain, sleet, and strong winds gusting up to 35 mph has already led to dangerous conditions, and the potential for additional snowfall only heightens the risk. The National Weather Service’s warnings serve as a critical reminder of the unpredictable nature of April weather in the northern U.S., where wintry conditions can still prevail.
In summary, the winter storm warnings in Wisconsin reflect a significant shift from the expected mild spring weather to severe winter conditions. With multiple counties under alert and thousands without power, the impact of Winter Storm Joseline and Winter Storm Kadence is being felt across the region. As the storms progress, residents must stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Details remain unconfirmed.