Viroqua, WI – Powerful overnight winds could knock out power and make highway travel dangerous across southwest Wisconsin starting shortly after midnight tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, a High Wind Warning takes effect at midnight and lasts until 1 p.m. Friday for Crawford, Grant, Richland, and Vernon counties. West to northwest winds will increase to 30 to 40 mph with peak gusts reaching 60 mph, especially on higher ridges and exposed terrain common across the Driftless Area.
Cities including Viroqua, Prairie du Chien, Richland Center, and Platteville are expected to experience the strongest conditions before and during the Friday morning commute. Winds approaching 60 mph are strong enough to snap tree limbs and topple shallow-rooted trees, increasing the likelihood of scattered to widespread power outages.
Travel could become hazardous on exposed roadways such as U.S. 14, U.S. 61, and Wisconsin Highway 35 where crosswinds may push trucks, buses, and RVs out of lanes. If snow showers develop overnight, the strong winds could quickly create brief whiteout conditions that sharply reduce visibility.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture, charge phones and backup batteries, and avoid parking near large trees. Emergency officials recommend staying in lower levels of homes and away from windows during the peak of the windstorm. The warning remains in effect until 1 p.m. Friday, and additional advisories may be issued if conditions worsen overnight.
