Winter Weather, Kenosha
- When
- January 1, 11:40 AM CST to 9:05 PM CST
- Where
- Kenosha forecast zone
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 42.573, -87.840 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Snow accumulation of 2-4 inches.
Winter Weather in Wisconsin, January 1, 2021
Low pressure moving across the Ohio River Valley spread a swath of several inches of snow across southeast WI. Snow covered roads led to some vehicle slide-offs and accidents.
Where it happened
Every event with a place to put it; 13 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
- Tornadoes
- Tropical storms and surge
- Floods
- Wind
- Hail
- Winter weather
- Heat and drought
- Cold
- Fire, smoke and dust
- Marine and coastal
- Other
The toll
- Deaths
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Property damage
- None recorded
- Crop damage
- None recorded
- Events
- 13
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
What happened
The episode as NWS MKX wrote it up.
Low pressure moving across the Ohio River Valley spread a swath of several inches of snow across southeast WI. Snow covered roads led to some vehicle slide-offs and accidents.
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Milwaukee, WI wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 1, 6:04 AM CST, 5 hours 36 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Jan 1, 6:04 AM CST, 5 hours 36 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan WI
Issued by National Weather Service Green Bay WI
604 AM CST Fri Jan 1 2021
Updated aviation portion for 12Z TAF issuance
.SYNOPSIS...
Issued 323 AM CST Fri Jan 1 2021
A round of light snow this afternoon and evening, mainly over the
southeast part of the state, then a return to relatively quiet
weather with above normal temperatures.
Split upper flow will persist across North America throughout the
forecast period. The northern stream will remain low amplitude,
and primarily across Canada. That will prevent any intrusion of
cold air from high latitudes into the area, and result in above
normal temperatures. The southern stream will be highly amplified
at the start of the period but gradually flatten for several
days before probably reamplifying a little late in the period. A
mature southern stream cyclone will track just close enough to the
area to produce some light snow this afternoon into tonight. A
second system may just graze the area Saturday night, then dry
weather is expected until at least late next week. The total
precipitation for the period will probably end up below normal.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued 323 AM CST Fri Jan 1 2021
The main forecast issue this morning was fine tuning the snowfall
potential with the mature cyclone passing southeast of the area
late today and tonight. 00Z RAOBS from across the region showed a
lot of dry air will need to be overcome before precipitation can
begin, so tried to slow down the arrival of the snow, especially
north of the Illinois border areas. The model precipitation
forecast looked a little high, especially given the dry air and
the fact that the best dynamics will be passing well south of the
area. Kept 1-3 inch snowfalls going over the SW part of the state,
but trimmed amounts a little on the NW edge of the precipitation
shield. Amounts may need to be edged up a little more in Kenosha
county, but it seemed wise to wait and see how far/fast the
precipitation shield advances north this morning prior to doing
that. Although mixed precipitation is possible at times, forecast
soundings suggest snow will be the dominant type.
The standard NBM forecast initialization grids seemed reasonable
for the rest of the forecast, so no significant changes were
necessary.
&&
.AVIATION...for 12Z TAF Issuance
Issued 602 AM CST Fri Jan 1 2021
Widespread low stratus/fog covered the region this morning, with
IFR/LIFR conditions at most inland locations. East flow off the
relatively mild waters of Lake Michigan was resulting in higher
ceilings and vsbys near the lakeshore, with mainly MVFR
conditions. The stratus/fog will prevail through much of the
morning.
Low pressure tracking southeast of the region will bring snow to
southeast WI this afternoon/evening, with associated IFR
conditions. As the low exits to the east, gradually improving
conditions are expected overnight. Partial clearing could occur
in eastern WI Saturday morning.
&&
.MARINE...
Issued 323 AM CST Fri Jan 1 2021
Winds and waves will increase over southern Lake Michigan today as
the cyclone tracks toward Lake Erie. Winds will remain below gale
force, but a Small Craft Advisory will be needed for the southern
3 MKX NSH zones for this afternoon into tonight.
&&
.MKX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WI...None.
LM...Small Craft Advisory...LMZ644-LMZ645-LMZ646...2 PM Friday to 4
AM Saturday.
&&
SYNOPSIS.......JS
DISCUSSION.....JS
MARINE.........JS
AVIATION.......TSK
Visit us at weather.gov/milwaukee
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube at:
www.facebook.com/NWSMilwaukee
www.twitter.com/NWSMilwaukee
www.youtube.com/NWSMilwaukeeHazardous weather outlook, Jan 1, 4:07 AM CST, 7 hours 33 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan WI Issued by National Weather Service Green Bay WI 407 AM CST Fri Jan 1 2021 WIZ046-047-051-052-056>060-062>072-021200- Marquette-Green Lake-Fond du Lac-Sheboygan-Sauk-Columbia-Dodge- Washington-Ozaukee-Iowa-Dane-Jefferson-Waukesha-Milwaukee- Lafayette-Green-Rock-Walworth-Racine-Kenosha- 407 AM CST Fri Jan 1 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of east central Wisconsin, south central Wisconsin and southeast Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Roads across southeast Wisconsin could become slippery this afternoon and evening due to snow. One to three inches of snow is expected. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are requested to forward snowfall measurements to the National Weather Service. LMZ643>646-021200- Sheboygan to Port Washington WI- Port Washington to North Point Light WI- North Point Light to Wind Point WI- Wind Point WI to Winthrop Harbor IL- 407 AM CST Fri Jan 1 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the nearshore waters from Sheboygan Wisconsin to Winthrop Harbor Illinois. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Gusty northeast winds and building waves will create conditions hazardous to small craft this afternoon into tonight, mainly south of Port Washington. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. LMZ080-261-362-364-366-563-565-567-669-671-673-675-777-779-868- 870-872-874-876-878-021200- Lake Michigan Michigan City IN to St. Joseph MI 5 NM offshore to mid-line of lake.- Lake Michigan from Seul Choix Point to Rock Island Passage 5NM offshore to Mid Lake- Lake Michigan South of a line from Seul Choix Point to the Mackinac Bridge and North of a line from Charlevoix MI to South Fox Island 5NM offshore- Lake Michigan from Charlevoix to Point Betsie MI 5NM Offshore to mid lake- Lake Michigan from Point Betsie to Manistee MI 5NM offshore to Mid Lake- Lake Michigan from Rock Island Passage to Sturgeon Bay WI 5NM offshore to mid lake- Lake Michigan from Sturgeon Bay to Two Rivers WI 5NM offshore to Mid Lake- Lake Michigan from Two Rivers to Sheboygan WI 5NM offshore to Mid Lake- Lake Michigan from Sheboygan to Port Washington WI 5NM offshore to Mid Lake- Lake Michigan from Port Washington to North Point Light WI 5NM offshore to Mid Lake- Lake Michigan from North Point Light to Wind Point WI 5NM offshore to Mid Lake- Lake Michigan from Wind Point WI to Winthrop Harbor IL 5NM offshore to Mid Lake- Lake Michigan from Winthrop Harbor to Wilmette Harbor IL 5NM offshore to Mid Lake- Lake Michigan from Wilmette Harbor to Michigan City in 5NM offshore to Mid Lake- Lake Michigan from Pentwater to Manistee MI 5NM offshore to Mid Lake- Lake Michigan from Whitehall to Pentwater MI 5NM offshore to Mid Lake- Lake Michigan from Grand Haven to Whitehall MI 5NM offshore to Mid Lake- Lake Michigan from Holland to Grand Haven MI 5NM offshore to Mid Lake- Lake Michigan from South Haven to Holland MI 5NM offshore to Mid lake- Lake Michigan from St Joseph to South Haven MI 5NM offshore to Mid Lake- 407 AM CST Fri Jan 1 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the open waters of Lake Michigan. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday No hazardous weather is expected at this time. www.weather.gov/mkx
In the hours before
Special weather statement, Jan 1, 6:19 AM CST, 5 hours 21 minutes before
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT National Weather Service MILWAUKEE/SULLIVAN WI Issued by National Weather Service Green Bay WI 619 AM CST Fri Jan 1 2021 WIZ046-047-051-052-056>060-062>072-011500- Marquette-Green Lake-Fond du Lac-Sheboygan-Sauk-Columbia-Dodge- Washington-Ozaukee-Iowa-Dane-Jefferson-Waukesha-Milwaukee- Lafayette-Green-Rock-Walworth-Racine-Kenosha- Including the cities of Montello, Westfield, Oxford, Neshkoro, Endeavor, Berlin, Princeton, Markesan, Fond Du Lac, Plymouth, Sheboygan Falls, Howards Grove, Oostburg, Baraboo, Reedsburg, Prairie Du Sac, Sauk City, Portage, Columbus, Lake Wisconsin, Lodi, Beaver Dam, Waupun, Mayville, West Bend, Germantown, Hartford, Mequon, Cedarburg, Grafton, Dodgeville, Mineral Point, Barneveld, Madison, Watertown, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Waukesha, Brookfield, New Berlin, Menomonee Falls, Muskego, Milwaukee, Darlington, Shullsburg, Benton, Belmont, Argyle, Blanchardville, Monroe, Brodhead, Janesville, Beloit, Whitewater, Delavan, Elkhorn, Lake Geneva, East Troy, Racine, and Kenosha 619 AM CST Fri Jan 1 2021 ...AREAS OF FREEZING FOG AND SLICK ROADS THIS MORNING... Freezing fog will lead to scattered icy spots on area roads early this morning. The fog may be locally dense, with visibilities of a half mile or less. Early morning travelers should be alert for locally hazardous driving conditions. Be prepared for reduced visibilities and icy roads. Slow down and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Kieckbusch
The radar
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
Event by event
13 winter weather. Local standard time, as filed.
Winter Weather, Rock
- When
- January 1, 11:45 AM CST to 7:45 PM CST
- Where
- Rock forecast zone
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 42.671, -89.072 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Snow accumulation of 2-4 inches with highest amounts in eastern Rock County.
Winter Weather, Racine
- When
- January 1, 11:49 AM CST to 9:41 PM CST
- Where
- Racine forecast zone
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 42.730, -87.812 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Snow accumulation of 2-3 inches.
Winter Weather, Walworth
- When
- January 1, 11:49 AM CST to 9:41 PM CST
- Where
- Walworth forecast zone
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 42.669, -88.542 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Snow accumulation of 2-3 inches.
Winter Weather, Milwaukee
- When
- January 1, 12:24 PM CST to 10:52 PM CST
- Where
- Milwaukee forecast zone
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 43.022, -87.929 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Snow accumulation of 2-3 inches.
Winter Weather, Waukesha
- When
- January 1, 12:45 PM CST to 9:35 PM CST
- Where
- Waukesha forecast zone
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 43.018, -88.304 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Snow accumulation of 3-5 inches with highest amounts in northwest Waukesha County.
Winter Weather, Green
- When
- January 1, 12:55 PM CST to 8:35 PM CST
- Where
- Green forecast zone
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 42.680, -89.602 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Snow accumulation of 1-2 inches.
Winter Weather, Jefferson
- When
- January 1, 1:15 PM CST to 8:30 PM CST
- Where
- Jefferson forecast zone
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 43.021, -88.776 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Snow accumulation of 1-4 inches with highest amounts in eastern Jefferson County.
Winter Weather, Ozaukee
- When
- January 1, 2:00 PM CST to 9:45 PM CST
- Where
- Ozaukee forecast zone
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 43.403, -87.891 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Snow accumulation of 3-5 inches with highest amounts in northern Ozaukee County.
Winter Weather, Dane
- When
- January 1, 2:15 PM CST to 7:12 PM CST
- Where
- Dane forecast zone
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 43.067, -89.418 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Snow accumulation of 1-2 inches for the Madison area and locations east and south of Madison.
Winter Weather, Washington
- When
- January 1, 2:30 PM CST to 9:00 PM CST
- Where
- Washington forecast zone
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 43.369, -88.231 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Snow accumulation of 3-5 inches.
Winter Weather, Sheboygan
- When
- January 1, 3:00 PM CST to 8:40 PM CST
- Where
- Sheboygan forecast zone
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 43.756, -87.800 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Snow accumulation of 1-5 inches with highest amounts in southern Sheboygan County.
Winter Weather, Dodge
- When
- January 1, 3:35 PM CST to 7:15 PM CST
- Where
- Dodge forecast zone
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 43.416, -88.707 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Snow accumulation of 2-4 inches in southeast Dodge County.
What these are
- Winter Weather
- Snow, sleet or freezing rain below warning levels that still caused disruption, damage or casualties.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
The same day elsewhere
- Rip Current in Florida, January 1, 2021
- Winter Storm and Winter Weather in Missouri, January 1, 2021
- Tornadoes and Damaging Wind in Georgia, January 1, 2021
- Winter Storm and Winter Weather in Kansas, January 1, 2021
- Drought in New Mexico, January 1 to 31, 2021
- Winter Storm and Winter Weather in Kansas, January 1, 2021
- Winter Weather in Indiana, January 1 to 2, 2021
- Winter Storm in Missouri, January 1, 2021
- Ice Storm and Winter Weather in Illinois, January 1, 2021
- Drought in Colorado, January 1 to 31, 2021
- Drought in Nebraska, January 1 to 31, 2021
- Drought in Texas, January 1 to 31, 2021
More
Every storm in Wisconsin in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyWarnings in Wisconsin, January 2021
Sources
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 927328, 927333, 927331, 927332, 927329, 927327, 927325, 927326, 927330, 927323, 927334, 927335, 927324.