Rochester, MN – Drivers across southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa could face dangerous crosswinds and falling debris after midnight tonight as a powerful windstorm pushes gusts up to 65 mph through early Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, a High Wind Warning remains in effect from midnight tonight until 10 a.m. Friday for southeast Minnesota and parts of north-central and northeast Iowa. Sustained west to northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph are expected, with peak gusts reaching 65 mph.
Communities including Rochester, Winona, Austin, Dodge Center, Wabasha, and Preston in Minnesota, along with Decorah, Charles City, Elkader, Waukon, and Oelwein in Iowa, sit directly in the warning area. Winds at this strength can snap large branches, topple shallow-rooted trees, and bring down power lines, raising the risk of outages for thousands of residents before the Friday morning commute.
Travel may become hazardous on open highways such as I-90 and U.S. 52 where strong crosswinds can push high-profile vehicles out of lanes. Blowing snow is also possible if light snow develops, briefly dropping visibility and creating near-whiteout conditions.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, charge essential devices, and avoid parking near large trees. Officials advise staying on lower floors of homes and away from windows during the strongest winds. The warning remains active until 10 a.m. Friday, and additional advisories could follow if conditions intensify overnight.
