Dane County Prepares for Potentially Dangerous Winter Storm

March 13, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive

DANE COUNTY - Dane County will likely be hit with heavy snow, freezing rain and strong winds over the next few days, during a long duration winter storm being forecast by the National Weather Service. Everyone in Dane County is encouraged to prepare for the potential hazards this weather system could produce.

“It is important for everyone to take the potential effects of this severe winter weather seriously by planning ahead for the possibility of hazardous travel conditions and power outages,” urged Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “While there remains some uncertainty about what exactly this weather system will produce, I also want to assure Dane County residents that our staff are taking this seriously and stand ready to respond.”

According to the National Weather Service, southern Wisconsin is under a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday evening through Monday afternoon. The storm is expected to begin Saturday night with a mix of precipitation including snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain. Conditions are forecast to transition to all snow by late Sunday afternoon, with moderate to heavy snowfall possible Sunday evening through Monday morning, combined with strong winds that could reduce visibility and create blowing snow. Forecasts also indicate the potential for gusty winds and periods of hazardous travel, with impacts possibly extending into the Monday morning commute.

This weather system is expected to have an impact on travel conditions in Dane County and throughout much of the region. Do your important weekend errands and shopping trips on Saturday. If you have travel plans for Sunday, now would be a good time to consider the risks of being on the roads.

If you must be on the roads during the storm, carry an emergency kit in your vehicle stocked with items like non-perishable foods, fresh water, extra warm clothing and blankets, a snow shovel, and a cell phone charger. Pay attention to current road conditions, reduce your speed, and avoid distractions behind the wheel. Stay at least 300’ back from snow plows and never pass them.

“The men and women of the Dane County Highway department work long hours in hazardous conditions,” said Dane County Highway Commissioner Clement Abongwa. “Please give them the room to perform their duties. We want our drivers to make it home safely to their families after their shift.”

Make sure your home is ready for the potential effects of severe winter weather. Update home emergency kits and replace supplies that may have expired or run out, such as food, medications, first aid kits, and batteries. Test your carbon monoxide detectors and check in with neighbors who may need extra help dealing with the ice and snow.

“Keeping you and your household safe during a winter storm should be a top priority,” said Dane County Emergency Management Director Charles Tubbs.

“Check those emergency kits before the rain and snow move in. Talk about what everyone in your home should do if there’s a power outage or if you need to leave home quickly.”

If your home loses power, stay warm by moving everyone to a shared space. Wear extra layers of clothing and isolate the space using blankets. Never try to use a generator, grill or propane heater indoors, due to the risk of fires and carbon monoxide exposure.

Stay weather aware before, during and after the storm by checking the latest forecast from a trusted source, such as local media or the National Weather Service. You can also sign up for emergency alerts from Dane County Emergency Management at https://em.countyofdane.com/notification-system/media.