The U.S. National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for several counties in southeastern Wisconsin, including Waukesha County. The Watch goes into effect at noon on Wednesday, February 12 and is currently set to last until 3 a.m. on Thursday, February 13. Heavy snow is expected, with various sources citing that areas closer to Lake Michigan might receive between 7 to 10 inches.

Although Wisconsinites are no strangers to heavy snow, the National Weather Service is encouraging people to take precautionary measures. It is expected that travel may become difficult as roads see snow accumulation and slick paved surfaces. The major concern seems to be over the Wednesday evening commute. With the snow beginning around noon, there is a high possibility that there may be several inches of accumulation by the time many individuals are leaving work and school. Unnecessary travel in these potentially hazardous conditions is strongly discouraged.

So far, southeastern Wisconsin has had a relatively mild winter. Although there have been a few days of extreme sub-zero temperatures, there has been limited snowfall. However, many locals most likely remember a particular storm last January that left many buried under over a foot of snow and stranded without power. The January 12, 2024 storm coated certain areas of the state in up to 18 inches of snow. Some of the highest reported snowfalls from that storm were in Pewaukee and Hubertus, totalling 16 inches.

Since the beginning of 2025, southeastern Wisconsin hasn’t seen much snow. In the entirety of January, there was only 20 inches of reported snowfall, which is about 12 inches less than the state usually sees during that month. Temperatures have been mixed as well, with several evenings falling well below zero and one sunny afternoon where the temperature skyrocketed to a balmy 50 degrees.

With the impending winter storm watch looming ahead, it is important for locals to be prepared. Due to the lower than average snow falls, it is important to brush up on some key reminders for snow storm safety. The National Weather Service has issued several key pieces of advice to those traveling in the snow, including:

• Taking it slow!
• Black ice can be difficult to spot, so always drive as if you are on ice because there is a chance you might be.
• Keep the amount of gas in your car’s tank full to avoid getting ice in the tank.
• Ensure that the vehicle’s lights, heater, and windshield wipers are all properly functioning.
• Avoid traveling by yourself.
• Let people know where you are going and an estimate of how long it will take you to arrive at your destination.
• Pack a flashlight, a bottle of water, a snack, batteries, a charger, a first aid kit, and an ice scraper among anything else you might need in case of emergency.