La Crosse, WI – A major winter storm is bringing prolonged moderate to heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions across northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and southwest/central Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) La Crosse. The storm is expected to continue through 6 AM Sunday, impacting regional travel throughout the weekend.
Snow began spreading east of the Mississippi River early this morning, with the most intense snowfall expected this afternoon across northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin, where rates may briefly approach 1 inch per hour.
Regional Snowfall Expectations
- Northeast Iowa & Southwest Wisconsin (Mitchell, Howard, Winneshiek, Allamakee, Floyd, Chickasaw, Fayette, Clayton, Crawford, Richland, Grant):
8–12 inches with wind gusts up to 35 mph, leading to blowing snow and near-blizzard conditions. - Southeast Minnesota & Southwest Wisconsin (Wabasha, Dodge, Olmsted, Winona, Mower, Fillmore, Houston, Vernon):
6–10 inches with winds up to 35 mph. - Central & West-Central Wisconsin (Clark, Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Juneau, Adams):
5–10 inches of snow expected.
The combination of falling snow, blowing snow, and gusty winds will create periods of near whiteout conditions, particularly tonight into early Sunday. Roads—especially bridges and overpasses—will become slick, and visibility may drop suddenly, making travel very difficult.
NWS strongly urges travelers to delay all travel if possible. Those who must be on the road should carry emergency items, including food, water, blankets, and a flashlight.
Road condition updates are available via 511wi.gov, 511ia.org, and 511mn.org
