Historic Blizzard Impacts Wisconsin: Snow Totals and Recovery Efforts
Appleton, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas are recovering from a historic blizzard that dumped record-breaking snowfall between March 14-16, 2026. The storm caused widespread school closures and significant disruption to daily life. The National Weather Service Green Bay reported a staggering 27.5 inches of snow in Appleton during the three-day period.
Regional Snow Totals
While Appleton experienced significant snowfall, northern areas of the region, particularly Door County, received the highest accumulations. Here’s a breakdown of snowfall totals reported by the National Weather Service Green Bay:
- Appleton: 27.5 inches
- Hortonville: 18 inches
- Fish Creek: 28.5 inches
- Waupaca: 28 inches
- Egg Harbor: 33 inches
- Clintonville: 26.5 inches
- Weyauwega: 25 inches
- Menasha: 25.3 inches
- Neenah: 21 inches
- Shawano: 24.3 inches
- Brillion: 17.8 inches
- Wrightstown: 20.8 inches
- Greenleaf: 17 inches
- Ashwaubenon: 26.1 inches
- Ellison Bay: 21 inches
Current Conditions and Forecast
As of 9:45 PM CDT on March 17, 2026, conditions at Appleton-Outagamie County Airport (KATW) are overcast with a temperature of 19°F (-7°C). The wind is from the south at 10 mph, and the wind chill is 8°F (-13°C). The National Weather Service forecasts a chance of flurries before 10 PM, becoming likely snow after 1 AM.
Door County is currently mostly cloudy with a temperature of 15°F (-9°C). The wind is from the south at 9 mph, resulting in a wind chill of 3°F (-16°C). The National Weather Service predicts cloudy conditions with light snow likely after midnight, with accumulations up to 1 inch.
Looking Ahead
The weather is expected to develop into less cold on Wednesday, with mostly cloudy skies and a chance of light snow and freezing drizzle in Door County, with highs in the mid-30s. Appleton will see a chance of snow and freezing rain before 10 AM, followed by mostly cloudy conditions and a high near 37°F. Conditions are expected to remain unsettled through the week, with chances of rain and snow continuing.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated with the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service Green Bay and local news sources.