It appears that the next 24 hours may be the "perfect storm" for local TV stations.

It's sweeps month, which means local stations want to attract as many viewers as possible in order to establish their advertising rates.

Few things in the TV biz attract ratings like weather stories.

And, we've got a doozy brewing.

Forecasts vary by outlet (and by what time you check), but just about everyone with a Doppler is saying that we're going to get pounded tonight. According to the National Weather Service, we can expect "a long duration event coupled with strong gusty winds and some thunder thrown in."

That's just the beginning. The report continues:

"Blowing and drifting snow will compound the effects of the heavy snow. Total new snow accumulations in excess of 12 inches will occur in the area southeast of a line from Dubuque, Iowa to Evansville to Jefferson to West Bend to Sheboygan. Up to 18" is possible near and along the Interstate 43 line from Janesville to Milwaukee, with locally 20" possible due to thundersnow variations. Total snow amounts will taper off to 10 inches in the Madison area, and six inches in Wisconsin Dells."

That just doesn't sound good.

Look for a lot of closings tomorrow. Our advice? If you can take work home this evening and stay home tomorrow, plan on it.