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Is the state of Wisconsin advising people not to travel Friday — one of the busiest travel days of the year?

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The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is discouraging travel on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, due to “potential blizzard conditions” including “snow, high winds, reduced visibility and frigid temperatures.”

As of Wednesday evening, the National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for the southern and western parts of the state. Northern Wisconsin was under a winter weather advisory.

The weather service is forecasting wind gusts up to 55 miles per hour “limiting visibility on the roads even when snow is not falling.” Subzero temperatures could be dangerous for stranded drivers. 

Road conditions will vary depending on the location and can be monitored at 511wi.gov, which also has live traffic cameras.

The Wisconsin DOT says those who must travel should fill the gas tank, have a fully charged phone, prepare an emergency kit and tell others about travel plans.

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by Hope Karnopp / Wisconsin Watch, Wisconsin Watch December 22, 2022

This <a target="_blank" href="https://wisconsinwatch.org/2022/12/is-the-state-of-wisconsin-advising-people-not-to-travel-friday-one-of-the-busiest-travel-days-of-the-year/">article</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://wisconsinwatch.org">Wisconsin Watch</a> and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<img src="https://i0.wp.com/wisconsinwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cropped-WCIJ_IconOnly_FullColor_RGB-1.png?fit=150%2C150&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1" style="width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;"><img id="republication-tracker-tool-source" src="https://wisconsinwatch.org/?republication-pixel=true&post=1274727&amp;ga4=G-D2S69Y9TDB" style="width:1px;height:1px;">

Hope Karnopp / Wisconsin Watch Reporting intern

Hope Karnopp joined Wisconsin Watch as a reporting intern in May 2022. She is a journalism major and is pursuing certificates in public policy and environmental studies at UW-Madison. Hope previously covered state politics as an intern for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She also works with the Daily Cardinal and hosts a radio segment about campus news for WORT-FM, which has been recognized by the Milwaukee Press Club.

Wisconsin State Patrol warns holiday travelers to be safe

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Weather ahead of the holiday weekend is making holiday travel more challenging. Traffic Management and the Wisconsin State Patrol are on alert for stranded motorists and increased accidents.

“Don’t underestimate this storm. The conditions are such that and the temperatures are such that things like salt are going to be ineffective. It’s just too cold,” says Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan.

Road conditions are kept up to date with the traffic management’s 5-1-1 website and app. There are also traffic cameras to see the road conditions in real time.

“Wisconsin doesn’t proactively close highways. The weather closes the highway,” says Traffic Management Supervisor Randy Hoyt.

In the case of a major incident, highways may be physically blocked to maintain safety. Traffic Management and the Wisconsin State Patrol are prepared for those situations. “If things change, we’ll re-align people, we’ll extend shifts, call in people that are off duty to make sure we’re properly staffed for this event,” says Carnahan.

“We’re going to have a minimum of two extra people per shift going through the storm,” says Hoyt. If conditions continue to worsen, they’ll issue a level-five travel warning.

Superintendent Carnahan says he knows the disappointment in canceling holiday plans, but a safe happy holiday makes it worth it in the long run. “My best advice is to seriously consider whether or not to travel,” he says.

The State Patrol recommends preparation above all if you do have to travel. Carnahan says even if you don’t plan to spend time outdoors, conditions can change in an instant and it pays to have an emergency supply kit in case you get stranded.

Copyright 2022 WSAW. All rights reserved.

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Wisconsin DOT provides winter road condition reports for state roadways

Over 14,000 miles of state roadways are covered by the dot’s 511wi winter road condition reports, which update twice per hour..

MADISON, Wis. (WEAU) - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is providing winter road condition reports for over 14,000 miles of state roadways.

With the season’s first accumulating snowfall for most of Wisconsin, including winter weather advisories on Monday in western Wisconsin, the DOT is reminding people who plan on traveling in the state that they can find road condition reports at 511wi.gov .

“Weather in Wisconsin means driving conditions can change in an instant,” Craig Thompson, DOT Secretary, said. “Our free, easy-to-use 511 Wisconsin system can provide the clearest and most accurate travel information to prepare for the road ahead.”

An upgrade to the state’s 511WI system was implemented in January of 2022, expanding the DOT’s winter road condition reporting from 3,700 miles of roadways to over 14,000 miles. The update also provides more frequent updates , with reports generated twice each hour from the Maintenance Decision Support System used by the DOT and county highway departments to look at conditions on roadways in Wisconsin. The previous system, which debuted in 2013, managed road conditions manually with field reports a few times each day. Data sources for the new system, which began on Jan. 31, includes atmospheric and road weather sensors along roadways and at airports, snowplows equipped with Geographic Information Systems and the National Weather Service.

The reports at 511wi.gov are updated 24 hours a day. In addition, travelers can view cameras that display both photo and video of the roadways across Wisconsin to help better plan for travel. Thompson said that along with all of the tools the Wisconsin DOT is providing, motorists are encouraged to prepare their vehicles for winter driving and to prepare themselves by reviewing safety tips for safe winter commutes . The DOT encourages drivers to take it slow in winter weather conditions, since most crashes and slide-offs in winter are caused by driving too fast for conditions. Here are some other winter driving tips:

• Before heading out, learn the latest about highway conditions and incidents by visiting 511wi.gov . Let others know about your planned route and expected arrival time. Fully charge your cell phone.
• Clear snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows, front and rear lights, roof and hood. Ensure everyone is buckled up.
• Take it slow. Allow extra travel time and following distance. Most winter crashes and slide-offs are caused by drivers going too fast for the existing conditions. Remember, posted speed limits apply to ideal travel conditions.
• Turn on your vehicle’s low-beam headlights. This helps you see what’s ahead, and helps other drivers see you. State law requires drivers to turn on their vehicle’s low-beam headlights any time that weather or other conditions make it difficult to see objects 500 feet ahead.
• Sudden braking or steering can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Use brakes early and carefully. With anti-lock-brakes (ABS), use firm, steady pressure and gently steer. Never use cruise control in wintry weather.
• Don’t be overconfident in your four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle. All vehicles require additional time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
• Remember that bridge decks/overpasses can be especially slippery, even when adjacent pavements are in good travel condition.
• Watch for snowplows. Stay at least 200 feet behind a working plow and use extra caution if you decide to pass. Plows often create a cloud of snow that can obscure visibility, and road conditions ahead of the plow are likely worse.
• Keep a safe distance behind large trucks. Along with obscuring your view of the road ahead, pieces of snow or ice can blow off the top of commercial trucks as they travel down the highway.
• Winter storm advisories/warnings are routinely posted on Dynamic Message Signs along major highway corridors. Heed this information and drive accordingly. Winter storm events often have moderate to significant travel impacts.
• Be mindful of your location using crossroads, mileposts or key landmarks. If you do become stranded, you’ll be better prepared to describe your location for law enforcement or tow truck operators.

To use the 511 travel information system in Wisconsin, you can go to 511wi.gov or use the 511 Wisconsin app. When using the app or website, make sure “winter road conditions” is checked and check the colors of the roadways in your area according to the map legend to see what the road conditions are in your area and along your drive. You can also access traffic cameras from the app or website by clicking on the camera icons on the map. These can also be enabled from the map legend. To play the video feed on any traffic camera, press the play button.

Road conditions can change quickly. https://t.co/uHS4LfKsGN is your source for winter road conditions, traffic incidents, cameras and more. Know the map colors and #KnowBeforeYouGo : 🟩 Good winter driving 🟪 Slippery stretches 🟦 Snow covered 🟥 Ice covered ⬛️ Travel not advised pic.twitter.com/3YszKGARMV — Wisconsin DOT (@WisconsinDOT) November 15, 2022

Copyright 2022 WEAU. All rights reserved.

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Wisconsin weather outlook: Snow total reports from Wisconsin, thundersnow in Madison and Green Bay, while Milwaukee gets rain

For an early April Tuesday that already featured Election Day, the Milwaukee Brewers' home opener and a trip to Green Bay by former President Trump, a winter storm hit Wisconsin. By the time it passes Wednesday, it could end up dropping a foot of snow on Green Bay and much of northeastern Wisconsin and leave a slushy, wintry mix in Milwaukee.

Here's a recap of Tuesday's eventful weather day:

10:15 p.m.: Thundersnow also reported in Green Bay

Following reports of thundersnow (when it snows and thunders at the same time) happening in Madison, the National Weather Service said there were also several reports of thundersnow on the east side of Green Bay.

Thundersnow occurs when the air is considered unstable if it continues to rise on its own after getting a nudge from a cold front or warm front. This is rare when it’s snowing due to the air temperature in winter snowstorms being consistently cold at both high and low points in the atmosphere.

But, in some winter storms, lower layers of warm air are lifted and continue to rise on their own, increasing snowfall and allowing for lightning to occur.

10 p.m.: Milwaukee to see a wintry mix overnight; snow for communities west of Milwaukee

A low pressure system with bands of snow sits out over Lake Michigan as of 9:45 p.m. Tuesday and will continue to make its way into Wisconsin overnight.

"We're expecting snow to continue off and on through the night and we may see some higher snowfall rates picking up after midnight, more so further west towards Madison, Wisconsin Dells, up towards Fond du Lac area," said Kevin Wagner, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Wagner said the Milwaukee area, Racine and Kenosha will mostly see a wintry mix of rain and snow due to the warmer air. Wagner estimates that communities to the west, including Waukesha County, will see an additional 1 to 2 inches of snow fall overnight.

"We're looking at those heavier rains or heavier snowfall to kind of stay towards the Green Bay area, but sneak into Fond du Lac, to Madison, to the Dells area," Wagner said.

According to the measurement at Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee has seen more than 2 inches of rain in the last 48 hours.

9:55 p.m.: Flood warning issued for the Fox River

The National Weather Service said the Fox River is near flooding and a flood warning has been issued until early Saturday afternoon for area along the river, from Waukesha to New Munster near the Illinois border.

9:45 p.m.: Here are the latest snow totals in Wisconsin

Here are the latest snow totals reported across Wisconsin Tuesday between 7 and 9 p.m. by the National Weather Service:

• Omro: 7.4 inches
• Hortonville: 6.3 inches
• Waushara County: 6 inches
• Horicon: 5.5 inches
• Pardeeville: 4.9 inches
• Wautoma: 4.8 inches
• Beaver Dam: 4.6 inches
• Mayville: 4 inches
• Appleton: 3.5 inches
• Green Bay: 2.2 inches

8:30 p.m.: Officials ask Milwaukee-area residents to conserve water use

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District is urging Milwaukee-area residents to cut water use because of the combined sewer overflow initiated earlier today, caused by the rainfall. Residents in Milwaukee and its surrounding suburbs are asked to take shorter showers, and don't do laundry or the dishes.

Milwaukee has a combined sewage system in which both stormwater and wastewater from homes and businesses flow through the same pipes before it is treated. If heavy rains causes the water reclamation facilities and deep tunnels to fill to capacity, the sewerage district must discharge untreated water into Milwaukee’s three rivers and Lake Michigan to prevent wastewater from backing up into homes and businesses.

— Caitlin Looby

7:30 p.m.: Here are the latest snow totals in Wisconsin

Here are the latest snow totals reported across Wisconsin Tuesday between 4 and 7 p.m. by the National Weather Service:

• La Farge: 7 inches
• Montello: 5 inches
• Oshkosh: 4 inches
• Shorewood Hills: 4 inches
• Wautoma: 3.3 inches
• Kronenwetter: 3 inches
• Green Bay: 1.8 inches

5:40 p.m. Milwaukee sewers 76% full; combined sewer overflow initiated

Due to the onslaught of rain, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District initiated a combined sewer overflow at 5:40 p.m. to reduce the risk of wastewater backing up into homes and businesses.

The main deep tunnel had been 76% full, MMSD said. MMSD needs to reserve capacity in the tunnel for separate sewer flows from the suburbs. Federal law allows six combined sewer overflows per year.

4:15 p.m.: Weather service reports thundersnow in Madison area

There is thunder and snow at the same time in Madison area, said Andy Boxell, a National Weather Service meteorologist.

Boxell said the event is not common, but it does happen a handful of times across southern Wisconsin each winter. "It's almost always with a system like this that's very dynamic, and it has these heavy bands of snow that are strong enough to eventually generate some lightning," he said.

Thundersnow is appearing on radar through cloud coverage at the Madison airport, but Boxell said he wouldn't be surprised if people are hearing thunder from Sheboygan, through Watertown and Janesville.

3:45 p.m.: Winter storm warning expands in central Wisconsin, northeastern Wisconsin rain transitions to snow

The National Weather Service expanded its winter storm warning at 2:45 p.m. to Dane County.

The latest forecast from the Milwaukee office of the NWS said that additional snow accumulations between 4 to 7 inches were possible through 7 a.m. A subsequent winter weather advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. Wednesday until 1 p.m.

The winter weather advisory said that additional snow accumulations of up to 2 inches are possible during that time frame, with wind gusts up to 40 mph.

The NWS said on X, the former Twitter social media platform, that snowfall rates were at about 1inch per hour. The weather was leading to difficult travel, with reduced visibilities and slippery roads.

The Green Bay NWS office said on X that the day's rains had switched to snow in that part of the state. Large swaths of that part of the state are expected to receive between 6 to 12 inches of snow, with higher amounts possible in some areas.

The NWS has issued a winter storm warning for much of the area.

2:30 p.m.: Upper Peninsula snow forecast shows over 2 feet of snow possible in some areas

Parts of the Upper Peninsula could see up to 30 inches of snow in the high terrain areas of Marquette and Baraga Counties into Thursday morning.

The Marquette, Michigan, National Weather Service office issued a blizzard warning for the region, with 8 to 12 inches of snow likely for a large swath of the area. A large contrast is possible in the region , with areas closer to Lake Superior forecasted between 6 to 8 inches of snow and Marquette and Republic, Michigan, forecasted for 14 to 26 inches and 16 to 30 inches respectively.

The system is expected to come with sharp winds of up to 45 miles per hour and possibly higher near Lake Superior. The blizzard warning said that travel could be "very difficult to impossible" and that power outages were possible.

It's not uncommon for the region to see high snowfall projections like this in early spring, said Jonathan Voss, a meteorologist in the office.

A year ago, on May 1, a snowstorm dumped almost 20 inches, breaking the daily record for the area, he said. In total, that system brought almost 30 inches of snow to some parts of the area.

"We can definitely get these stronger late seasons storms," Voss said. "The impacts when you get into the later seasons, its greater from how wet the snow (is.)"

1:35 p.m.: Road conditions begin to deteriorate from slushy snow

The Wisconsin 511 road condition website showed expanding "slippery stretches" throughout central Wisconsin, with WIS 21 closed near Tomah due to a car crash.

The La Crosse National Weather Service office said on X , the former social media platform, that several accidents had occurred in the area's ridgetops in La Crosse and Vernon counties.

Lower temperatures in those areas were leading to greater snow accumulations, the NWS said.

12:45 p.m.: National Weather Service expands warning, advisory as snow comes heavy

The La Crosse office of the National Weather Service issued an expanded winter storm warning in central Wisconsin as snow was falling heavier than anticipated.

Initial snowfall totals in La Crosse, as of 12:51 p.m., were at 4.6 inches. To the north, in Thorp, 3 inches of snow was reported.

The most recent warning from the La Crosse office, issued at 11:38 a.m., was for Juneau and Adams Counties and said that heavy snow was forecasted for up to 7 inches, with the majority falling Tuesday night. The alert lasts through 7 a.m. Wednesday and said that wind gusts could be up to 45 mph, with visibility being impacted.

Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes in central Wisconsin could be affected and there is potential for the heavy snow to bring down tree branches and power lines, NWS said.

The NWS also expanded its winter weather advisory area into La Crosse and Crawford counties, with snow accumulations expected between 2 and 4 inches. Winds in that area are expected to reach 45 mph as well.

In southeastern Wisconsin, the NWS is now forecasting widespread snow beginning at 6 p.m.

Milwaukee is just outside of the snow band and forecasted for between 0 and 2 inches through Wednesday morning. Other areas to the west and northwest, like Waukesha and West Bend, are expected between 2 and 4 inches and further south in Racine and Kenosha is between 0 and 1 inches, according to the NWS.

11:15 a.m.: Snow transition begins in central Wisconsin

Tuesday's snowstorm began its transition from rain into snow at about 11 a.m. northwest of the Wisconsin Dells, according to Madison news station WMTV-15.

The La Crosse office of the National Weather Service forecasted at 7 a.m. that central portions of the state, like the Wisconsin Dells, would see 6 to 8 inches of heavy, wet snow. Madison is projected for between 4 to 6 inches, while areas just north and south of the Dells were projected for between 2 to 4 inches of snow.

The NWS forecast expected the snow to begin in the afternoon and peak in the late afternoon and evening. Images on the Wisconsin 511 road condition website showed snowfall around 11:20 a.m. in the Wisconsin Dells area.

6:35 a.m.: Northeastern Wisconsin forecasted for heavy snowfall this evening

The Green Bay National Weather Service is expecting snow to begin midafternoon and reach its peak on Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning.

Snow accumulations are expected for over a foot in Sturgeon Bay, between 10 and 11 inches in Appleton and Green Bay, and around 4.5 inches to the west in Marshfield and Wausau. With those higher totals, the office has issued a winter storm warning for a segment of northeast and central Wisconsin, upgrading from an earlier winter weather advisory.

"There's a lot of moisture with this system," said Tim Kieckbusch, a meteorologist at the Green Bay NWS. "It looks like especially this evening."

He said that it isn't uncommon for early spring low-pressure systems to develop with high moisture levels like this.

6 a.m.: Weather system shifts west, bringing lower snowfall forecast to Milwaukee than initially expected

On Monday, forecasts showed that that the Milwaukee area could get up to five inches of snow, however the weather system’s movement to the west has lessened that.

The latest projections forecast that Milwaukee could receive up to two inches of snow now.

“The rain, it will change to snow kind of real late in the afternoon, but by then a lot of the heavy (precipitation) will have moved away,” said Mark Gehring, a local National Weather Service meteorologist. “There could be a little bit of grassy accumulation, in the western-northern portion of the county.”

Another major factor in the new forecast is the expected temperatures of the day keeping the storm’s precipitation mostly rain in the area, he said. Areas near Waukesha and the Timmerman Airport have the highest chances of receiving slight accumulation totals.

“(The system) has shifted even further west, which is why Milwaukee is going to get mostly rain now,” Gehring said. “It does strengthen very well from early this morning into the evening. There is going to be a good heavy snow band … the further west you go, the greater chance you’ll have problems.”

However, with the storm's movement west, it means that Madison, the Wisconsin Dells, Beaver Dam, among others, are in a winter weather advisory, with up to four inches of snow possible in that area. Further north and east, totals reach eye popping numbers of over a foot of snow possible.

5:30 a.m.: Northeastern Wisconsin could see up to 14 inches of snow, surrounding areas between 8 to 12 inches

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning and predicted between 8 and 12 inches in northern Wisconsin, with up to 14 inches possible in the far northeastern portion of the state.

With it, wind gusts could reach 45 miles per hour, leading to areas of blowing and drifting snow. Affected areas include Appleton and the surrounding areas, with higher totals possible near Green Bay.

Snowfall rates are expected to reach more than an inch an hour on Tuesday evening, the NWS said.

The NWS warned that strong winds and heavy snow could down power lines, potentially causing sporadic power outages. Travel is expected to be very difficult and impacting Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.

The heavy snow comes as former president Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Green Bay for a campaign rally at 5 p.m. at a local hotel.

5:30 a.m.: Snow could put a damper on Brewers' opening day, election day

The latest forecast from the local NWS office shows that just as tailgaters head inside for the Brewers home opener at 3 p.m. the rain will be turning to snow.

That will continue on and off into Wednesday afternoon, potentially leaving behind 2 inches of wet, slushy snow that should melt quickly. The greatest impacts are expected to be between 6 p.m. and through noon on Wednesday, the NWS said in an update on Monday afternoon.

The latest forecasted totals from the National Weather Service show that Milwaukee could see less snow than was initially forecasted on Monday.

5:30 a.m.: Winter weather advisory issued north of Milwaukee

Tuesday's snowfall could bring between two and six inches of snow and winds as high as 45 miles per hour to an area just north and west of Milwaukee, the NWS said.

Affected communities include Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, West Bend, Medford, Neillsville, Black River Falls, Sparta, Tomah, Mauston, Friendship, Viroqua, and Richland Center.

The advisory is in place between 4 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Wednesday.

Snow expected hit Wisconsin Tuesday afternoon, last through Wednesday

Snow is expected to start accumulating Tuesday afternoon throughout Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service, with rain turning to snow in the Milwaukee area and southeast Wisconsin.

The heaviest snowfall is expected from late Tuesday afternoon through early Wednesday morning, but snow will likely continue through Wednesday.

The NWS in Sullivan projects a 24% chance of at least 4 inches of snow in Milwaukee, with higher percentages to the west and north.

The NWS in Green Bay says the most likely area to get at least 6 inches of snow is a band that runs from the Fond du Lac area north to the Green Bay area, including Oshkosh and Appleton. There's a 20-25% chance the area will get 12 inches of snow.

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U.S. restricts employees’ travel as Iran vows revenge on Israel

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued a security warning to government employees and their families, imposing travel restrictions on their movements, as Israel braces for Iran to retaliate for a strike that killed top Iranian military officials in Syria.

The alert, which does not explicitly mention Iran, was issued as leaders in Tehran vowed to respond to an Israeli strike this month near Iran’s embassy in the Syrian capital, Damascus, which has stoked fears of widening conflict in a region on edge.

“Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv, … Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,” reads the U.S. Embassy security alert , issued Thursday.

The attack killed two senior members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and five other officers, Iran said.

While Israel has not publicly claimed responsibility, U.S. officials told The Washington Post that Pentagon officials were frustrated that Israel did not notify the United States before the April 1 strike, which they assess increases risks to U.S. forces in the Middle East.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Israel would be “punished” and “regret this crime.” With Israel’s military on high alert last week, Israel has vowed to strike back at Iran “if Iran attacks from its territory.”

The head of U.S. Central Command, Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, visited Israel on Thursday, a Pentagon spokesperson said , as the allies coordinate on preparing for Iran’s promised counterstrike. President Biden has repeated that the U.S. commitment to Israel against threats from Iran and its allies is “ironclad.”

“The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness as security incidents often take place without warning,” the alert said. “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events.”

The April 1 strike near a diplomatic compound — traditionally exempted from hostilities — was seen as an escalation in Israel’s multi-front battles against Iranian-backed groups in the region, which have intensified during its war in Gaza .

The United States has previously issued travel warnings during the war, and a rare “worldwide caution” advisory to all Americans overseas in October, citing “the potential for violence and increased tensions” globally.

Confrontations in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen simmered between Iranian-backed groups and Israel or the United States. Analysts have said Tehran may still hope to avoid being pulled into a costly war, while maintaining support for allies that have traded fire with Israeli forces or attacked Israel’s main backer, the United States, in the region, The Post reported.

U.S. and other officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence matters, said earlier this month they expected Iran could respond with attacks on Israeli targets, calculated to avert an even bigger Israeli response, The Post reported. Yet they acknowledged the potential for miscalculation in such a volatile environment.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday that the Biden administration has “communicated to Iran that the U.S. had no involvement in the strike” in Syria. She said the administration warned Tehran not “to escalate further in the region or attack U.S. facilities or personnel.”

Kareem Fahim and Susannah George contributed to this report.

Israel-Gaza war

The Israel-Gaza war has gone on for six months, and tensions have spilled into the surrounding region .

The war: On Oct. 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel that included the taking of civilian hostages at a music festival . (See photos and videos of how the deadly assault unfolded ). Israel declared war on Hamas in response, launching a ground invasion that fueled the biggest displacement in the region since Israel’s creation in 1948 .

Gaza crisis: In the Gaza Strip, Israel has waged one of this century’s most destructive wars , killing tens of thousands and plunging at least half of the population into “ famine-like conditions. ” For months, Israel has resisted pressure from Western allies to allow more humanitarian aid into the enclave .

U.S. involvement: Despite tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and some U.S. politicians , including President Biden, the United States supports Israel with weapons , funds aid packages , and has vetoed or abstained from the United Nations’ cease-fire resolutions.

History: The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and mistrust are deep and complex, predating the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 . Read more on the history of the Gaza Strip .

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Iranian attack on Israel expected ‘sooner rather than later’, says Joe Biden

President said US are ‘devoted to the defence of Israel’ as he urged Tehran to show restraint

Joe Biden has said he expects an Iranian attack on Israel “sooner rather than later” and issued a last-ditch message to Tehran: “Don’t.”

“We are devoted to the defence of Israel . We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed,” Biden told reporters on Friday.

Earlier the White House national security spokesperson John Kirby warned that the threat of a significant Iranian attack on Israel remains “viable” despite Washington-led efforts, including calls to Tehran from the UK and Germany, to deter a serious escalation in the conflict in the Middle East.

The White House comments came as several countries, including India, France , Poland and Russia, warned their citizens against travel to the region and Israel’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant, said his country was “prepared to defend [itself] on the ground and in the air, in close cooperation with our partners”.

Later CBS, quoting two unnamed US officials, reported that a substantial missile and drone attack could be launched as early as Friday evening, as a number of countries urgently warned their nationals of the risk of escalating violence in the region, and Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, convened a security assessment.

Appearing to underline that report, Javad Karimi-Ghodousi, a member of the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign policy commission, said: “After punishing the Zionist regime in the coming hours, this villain will understand that henceforth, wherever in the world it attempts to assassinate figures of the resistance front, it will again be punished with Iranian missiles.”

German airline Lufthansa said on Friday its planes would no longer use Iranian airspace and extended its suspension of flights to and from Tehran until Thursday.

Qantas has paused its non-stop flights from Perth to London because the 17-and-a-half-hour flight is possible only by using Iranian airspace.

Iran has threatened reprisals against Israel for a strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria on 1 April, in which seven members of the Revolutionary Guards including two generals were killed, sparking fears that an already volatile climate in the Middle East could quickly spiral further.

Tehran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said on Thursday that Iran felt it had no choice but to respond to the deadly attack on its diplomatic mission after the UN security council failed to take action.

Speaking to reporters, Kirby said the prospect of an Iranian attack on Israel was “still a viable threat” despite concerted efforts by Israel and the US in recent days to deter it .

“We are in constant communication with our Israeli counterparts about making sure that they can defend themselves against those kinds of attacks,” Kirby said. He confirmed that the head of US Central Command, Gen Erik Kurilla, was in Israel talking with defence officials about how Israel could be best prepared.

Israel has said it is strengthening air defences and has paused leave for combat units.

On Friday, France ordered the evacuation of diplomats’ families and warned nationals in several other countries, including Israel and Lebanon, and alerts were issued by Canada and Australia. The US also restricted travel within Israel for US diplomats and their families.

In its strong warning on Friday, the French foreign ministry advised citizens against travelling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories and said French civil servants were banned from conducting any missions there.

The advisories followed a number of media reports that Israel was preparing for the prospect of an attack from Iran, possibly as soon as this weekend.

A US official told the Wall Street Journal that American intelligence reports indicated an Iranian retaliatory strike “possibly on Israeli soil” as opposed to against Israeli interests elsewhere, adding that the strike could come within 24 to 48 hours.

The same report, however, also reported an individual briefed by the Iranian leadership as saying no final decision had been taken by Tehran.

The newspaper reported US officials as saying that the US Navy had repositioned two destroyers in the region in order to protect US and Israeli forces.

While analysts had initially speculated that Iran may not rush into a response, concern has grown in the last two days over the potential for direct conflict between Iran and Israel after years of proxy conflict between the two enemies.

More recently experts have suggested that Iran now feels it is required to act militarily to restore its balance of deterrence with Israel.

On Wednesday, Joe Biden said Iran was threatening a “significant attack” against Israel and that Washington would do all it could to protect Israel’s security.

The US president’s comments in turn followed a televised speech by Iran’s leader saying the attack in Damascus was equivalent to an attack on Iran itself. “When they attacked our consulate area, it was like they attacked our territory,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said. “The evil regime must be punished, and it will be punished.”

The Israeli military said it was fully prepared for any strike. Israel was “on alert and highly prepared for various scenarios, and we are constantly assessing the situation,” the Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, R Adm Daniel Hagari, said at a press conference. “We are ready for attack and defence using a variety of capabilities that the IDF has, and also ready with our strategic partners.”

According to reports in the Israeli media, the IDF believes that Iran or one of its proxies are most likely to attempt to strike a military target rather than civilian centres, although some sites such as the Kirya, Israel’s defence headquarters in Tel Aviv, are located in city centres next to shopping malls, offices and restaurants.

Concern over a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict, which has already drawn in Hezbollah in Lebanon, pro-Iranian groups in Iraq and Yemen’s Houthis, came as Israeli forces continued to fight Palestinian militants in the north and centre of the Gaza Strip.

Residents of al-Nusseirat refugee camp in central Gaza said dozens were dead or wounded after Israeli bombardment from air, land and sea that had followed a surprise ground assault on Thursday, and that houses and two mosques had been destroyed.

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U.S. issues travel warning for Israel with Iran attack believed to be imminent and fear Gaza war could spread

By Debora Patta , Tucker Reals

Updated on: April 13, 2024 / 5:25 PM EDT / CBS News

Update: Iran launched drone attacks against Israel on Saturday. Read CBS News'  latest coverage here .

Tel Aviv  — Israel is bracing for a worst-case scenario that U.S. officials believe could materialize within just hours — the possibility of a direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran in retaliation for a strike almost two weeks ago that killed seven Iranian military officers. Iran has vowed to take revenge for Israel killing its commanders, who were hit by an April 1 strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital.

Two U.S. officials told CBS News that a major Iranian attack against Israel was expected as soon as Friday, possibly to include more than 100 drones and dozens of missiles aimed at military targets inside the country. Sources have told CBS News the retaliation could include attacks carried out both by Iranian forces, and proxy groups around the region that it has been funneling additional arms to for weeks.  

The officials said it would be challenging for the Israelis to defend against an attack of that magnitude, and while they held out the possibility that the Iranians could opt for a smaller-scale attack to avoid a dramatic escalation, their retaliation was believed to be imminent. 

Asked Friday how imminent he believes an attack is, President Biden responded, "I don't want to get into secure information, but my expectation is sooner than later." The president urged Iran not to move forward, saying his message to Tehran was: "Don't."

Tehran has not indicated publicly how or when it will return fire, so it's unclear how far Iran's leaders will go. If they decide to carry out a direct attack on Israel, there's fear it could blow Israel's ongoing war against Iranian ally Hamas up into a much wider regional conflict.

With the Iranian retaliation expected at any time, the U.S. State Department on Thursday warned Americans in Israel not to travel outside major cities, which are better protected from incoming rocket fire by the country's Iron Dome missile defense system. The latest guidance noted that travel by U.S. government employees in Israel could be further restricted with little notice as things develop in the tinderbox region.

"Whoever harms us, we will harm them," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday as he visited troops at an Israel Defense Forces airbase. "We are prepared … both defensively and offensively."

On Saturday, all U.S. embassies in the Middle East were put on high alert and required to hold emergency action committee meetings. Diplomats in Lebanon and Israel were specifically told not to travel to certain areas within those countries.

Sima Shine, a security expert and former official with Israel's national intelligence agency Mossad, told CBS News it was a dangerous moment for the region, and the "most worried" she has been. She said anxiety over an all-out war was likely just as high "on both sides, in Israel and in Iran."

If Iran does choose to strike Israel directly, it could involve a complex missile and drone attack similar to the one Iranian forces launched against a Saudi oil facility in 2019 .

"They will try to do it on the military or some military asset," Shine predicted. "But the question will be the damage. If there would be many injured people, killed or injured … I think it has the potential for a huge escalation."

Shine stressed, however, that she still believes neither side actually wants a regional conflict.

U.S. "really trying to avoid war"

The U.S. sent a senior general to Israel this week to coordinate with the close American ally on any response it might make to an Iranian attack. Speaking Friday on "CBS Mornings," America's top military officer said, "we're really trying to avoid war."

"This is part of the dialogue that I have with my counterparts within the region, to include the Israeli chief of defense, who I talked to yesterday," said Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., adding that the U.S. military was "doing things not only to prevent a war, but at the same time, one of my primary things is to make sure all the forces in the region are protected."

"My role, as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, is to plan and prepare," Brown said. "That's one thing we do very well."

Brown's Israeli counterpart, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, "completed a comprehensive situational assessment on the readiness of the IDF for all scenarios," Israel's military said Friday. 

"The IDF is very strongly prepared, both offensively and defensively, against any threat," Halevi was quoted as saying in the statement. "The IDF continues to monitor closely what is happening in Iran and different arenas, constantly preparing to deal with existing and potential threats in coordination with the United States Armed Forces." 

The IDF said the visiting U.S. general, Central Command chief Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, was taking part in the IDF's situational assessment.

The dilemma for Iran, said Israeli expert Shine, is to figure out how to deliver its promised response to Israel's attack in Syria, but in a way that does not lead to further escalation. Likewise, Shine said Israel could choose to show restraint when it responds to whatever Iran eventually does.

If either side gets the balance wrong, the consequences for the region, and even the world, could be dire.

Weijia Jiang, David Martin, Margaret Brennan and Olivia Gazis contributed reporting.

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Debora Patta is a CBS News foreign correspondent based in Johannesburg. Since joining CBS News in 2013, she has reported on major stories across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Edward R. Murrow and Scripps Howard awards are among the many accolades Patta has received for her work.

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U.S. restricts travel for Israel staff as Iran attack fears rise

The United States has restricted travel for its staff in Israel , as fears grow of an imminent retaliatory attack by Iran .

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued a security alert Thursday restricting its employees and their family members from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice “out of an abundance of caution.”

The warning comes as Israel’s military vowed it would defend the country and respond, with expectations mounting that Tehran will soon strike back for the attack on its embassy in Syria that killed a number of senior commanders. The exchanges have raised fears that the Israel-Hamas war that has devastated the Gaza Strip could escalate into a wider conflict.

Israel never claimed responsibility for the airstrike on its rival’s consulate in Damascus, but Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said earlier this week that Israel “must be punished and it shall be,” for what he considered an effective attack on Iranian soil.

The U.S. has promised support for its ally in the face of Iranian threats and worked to persuade Tehran to avoid significant escalation, but Israel has signaled its readiness for whatever retribution may be coming.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Thursday that a direct Iranian attack will require “an appropriate Israeli response” against Iran, while an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said that the country was “alert and highly prepared” for a variety of scenarios.

“Whoever harms us, we will harm them,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said Thursday as he visited an air base. “We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the state of Israel, both defensively and offensively,” he added.

The growing tensions in the Middle East come as Palestinians in Gaza marked somber Eid celebrations this week amid severe food shortages despite Israeli promises to allow more humanitarian aid into the enclave. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday that famine in Gaza was “imminent,” after USAID Administrator Samantha Power said a day earlier that it was “credible” to assess that famine had already begun in the territory.

More than 33,600 people have now been killed in Gaza, the enclave’s Health Ministry said, in the six months of war since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, which killed an estimated 1,200 people.

The militant group’s political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, said Hamas was still seeking a cease-fire deal despite the deaths of his three sons in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza earlier this week, but talks to secure a truce and the release of remaining hostages remain deadlocked .

It remained unclear whether Iran’s retaliation would come in the form of a direct attack or through some of the web of Tehran-backed groups that have already waged attacks from Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen in recent months.

Tehran has so far avoided direct confrontation with Israel or Washington. But Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said Thursday that “legitimate defense with the aim of punishing the aggressor” was a necessity in the wake of the consulate strike, accusing Israel of targeting diplomatic premises in violation of international law, according to Iranian state-run news agency IRNA.

The Pentagon said Thursday that top U.S. commander for the Middle East, Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, had moved up his trip to Israel so he could meet with Israeli military leadership and discuss “current security threats.”

President Joe Biden said Wednesday that Iran was threatening to launch a “significant attack on Israel,” and that the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies remained “ironclad” despite growing criticism from Washington of its ally’s actions in Gaza.

The White House also said Thursday that the U.S. has communicated to Iran that it had no involvement in the strike in Damascus, and warned Iran not to use this attack as a pretext to escalate further in the region, or to attack U.S. facilities or personnel.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held telephone conversations with his Chinese, Turkish and Saudi counterparts “to make clear that escalation is not in anyone’s interest” and that countries should urge Iran not to escalate.

“We have also engaged with European allies and partners over the past few days and urged them as well to send a clear message to Iran that escalation is not in Iran’s interest, it’s not in the region’s interest, and it’s not in the world’s interest,” spokesman Matthew Miller said Thursday .

British Foreign Minister David Cameron said he had made it clear to his Iranian counterpart that the Islamic Republic must not draw the Middle East into a wider conflict.

“I am deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence,” Cameron said on X .

France warned its citizens Friday to “imperatively refrain from travel in the coming days to Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian Territories.” German airline Lufthansa and its subsidiary Austrian Airlines, the only two Western carriers flying into Tehran, extended a suspension of flights to the Iranian capital.

Yuliya Talmazan is a reporter for NBC News Digital, based in London.

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The Brazilian federal prosecutors office and Para state's federal police said in statements on Saturday that they will open investigations following reports of a boat found with decomposed bodies off the coast of the northern Brazilian state.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un affirmed his position to develop long-standing ties with China, state media KCNA said on Sunday, citing Kim in his meeting with Chinese top legislator Zhao Leji.

Jordan's air defences were ready to intercept and shoot down any Iranian drones or aircraft that violate its airspace, two regional security sources said.

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