Strong winter storm to affect northern half of Wisconsin

MADISON (WITI) -- The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Watches and Warnings for the northern half of Wisconsin. Forecasters are tracking a strong storm with three potentially dangerous elements.

Up to 17 inches of heavy and wet snow is forecast for far northwest Wisconsin, with 6 to 9 inches from Rice Lake to Florence. The snow will start Thursday afternoon, April 3rd and continue overnight into Friday.

Central and northeastern parts of the state could see ice accumulations up to ¼ inch starting late tonight through the Friday morning commute.

Gusts up to 30 mph will blow into Wisconsin as the storm moves through Friday.