La Crosse, WI – A powerful late-season winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and hazardous travel to parts of southeast Minnesota, northeast Iowa, and central Wisconsin beginning late Tuesday night and lasting through Wednesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in La Crosse, a mix of rain, sleet, and snow will transition into heavy snow from northwest to southeast on Wednesday. Some areas, particularly northwest of a line from Charles City, Iowa, to Neillsville, Wisconsin, could see between 2 and 9 inches of snowfall. Strong wind gusts between 35 and 55 mph may lead to occasional whiteout conditions, with blizzard conditions possible in southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa.
Affected areas include Mitchell, Howard, Floyd, and Chickasaw counties in Iowa; Dodge, Olmsted, Mower, and Fillmore counties in Minnesota; and Wabasha and Winona counties. Meanwhile, Clark, Taylor, Buffalo, Jackson, and Trempealeau counties in Wisconsin could see snow accumulations of up to 8 inches, with gusty winds reaching 40 mph.
The hazardous conditions are expected to impact both morning and evening commutes on Wednesday, making travel difficult. The NWS warns that the combination of heavy snowfall and high winds could lead to tree damage and potential power outages.
Residents are urged to monitor the latest weather forecasts and prepare for deteriorating conditions. Travel should be limited during peak storm hours, and those who must travel should carry an emergency kit, including blankets, food, and water.
Officials recommend staying indoors and exercising caution when shoveling heavy, wet snow. The storm is expected to taper off late Wednesday night, with calmer conditions returning by Thursday.
