Blizzard warning issued for Fox Valley today as 10-15 inches in forecast; here is latest on closings
APPLETON – A blizzard could be coming to the Fox Valley on Friday.
The National Weather Service Green Bay issued a winter storm warning for the area from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, which turns to a blizzard warning from 3 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday.
Wind gusts may reach up to 50 miles per hour in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, which could impact power lines and cause outages.
People are advised to avoid travel if possible.
Here's what to know about the possible blizzard, which schools are canceled, and how the snow is affecting flights at local airports. This story will be updated with more event closings throughout the day.
Tow bans issued
Outagamie and Waupaca counties both issued county-wide tow bans — Outagamie's starting at 11 a.m. and Waupaca's at noon —meaning no vehicles can be towed if they are not an immediate hazard, unless towing is requested by emergency personnel.
FVTC closes early
Fox Valley Technical College will close at 2 p.m. Friday due to the weather.
Library closes early
The Appleton Public Library will close at 2 p.m. Friday because of the weather.
Trout Museum event postponed
Trout Museum of Art's exhibit opening celebration, which was scheduled for Friday evening, has been postponed to 5-8 p.m. Feb. 23.
How much snow will we get?
According to the National Weather Service Green Bay, the Fox Valley and much of northeastern Wisconsin can expect 10 to 15 inches total from Friday's and Saturday's snow.
Much more snow is anticipated than came to the area Tuesday — the Fox Valley's first winter storm of the season.
What schools have closed?
School and all after-school activities are canceled Friday for all the major school districts in the Fox Valley, including:
Appleton Area School District
Kimberly Area School District
Kaukauna School District
Little Chute Area School District
Menasha Joint School District
Neenah Joint School District
However, the Neenah Joint School District and Kimberly High School will have a virtual learning day.
As of Friday morning, Fox Valley Technical College had not canceled classes.
How will the snow impact travel?
"Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening," the National Weather Service's blizzard warning reads.
The National Weather Service advises people to avoid travel except for emergencies.
People who must drive in the snowstorm should have "a winter survival kit," including a flashlight, food, water and cold weather gear. Anyone who gets stranded while travelling should stay in their vehicle, according to the National Weather Service Green Bay.
Motorists can get the latest road conditions by calling 511 or going online.
As for flights, both Appleton International Airport and Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport have many canceled and delayed departures and arrivals due to Friday's weather. The most recent updates can be found on the two airports' websites.
This story will be updated.
RELATED: Days after the Fox Valley's first winter storm of the season, more snow coming Friday
Rebecca Loroff contributed to this report.
Kelli Arseneau can be reached at 920-213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @ArseneauKelli.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Appleton weather: Blizzard warning issued for Fox Valley
