La Crosse, Wisconsin – Snow will begin stacking up quickly after 8 p.m. across northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin, with bursts topping 1 inch per hour and roads turning slick well before midnight.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 8 p.m. this evening until 9 a.m. Friday for Floyd, Chickasaw, Howard and Winneshiek counties in Iowa, Houston County in Minnesota, and La Crosse and Vernon counties in Wisconsin. Forecasters expect 2 to 5 inches of accumulation, with wind gusts reaching 35 mph. The heaviest snow will fall in a narrow band, meaning totals could change sharply within just a few miles.
Cities including Decorah, Cresco, Charles City, New Hampton, Caledonia, Viroqua and La Crosse sit in the advisory zone. Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 52 and Highway 35 could see reduced visibility and snow-covered lanes overnight, especially in open rural stretches where blowing snow develops.
The greatest confidence for heavier totals extends into far southwest Wisconsin and nearby northeast Iowa. Areas farther northwest may see lighter amounts if the snow band shifts.
Drivers should slow down, allow extra stopping distance and check 511ia.org, 511mn.org or 511wi.gov before heading out Friday morning. Conditions should gradually improve after mid-morning, but additional updates are possible if snowfall intensity increases overnight.
