La Crosse, WI – A midweek snow system is trending farther south, shifting the highest potential snowfall into northeast Iowa and portions of southwest Wisconsin Wednesday night into early Thursday.
The National Weather Service in La Crosse reports the storm track has shifted southward compared to earlier forecasts. As a result, the main snow band is now expected to set up across northern and central Iowa, possibly extending into communities near Decorah, Waterloo, and Dubuque, as well as Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
Forecast confidence remains low regarding exact snowfall totals. While most locations may see little to no accumulation, there is still a 5 to 10 percent chance that more than 6 inches of snow could fall within a narrow 30- to 40-mile-wide band. Current probabilities show a 10 to 20 percent chance of at least 4 inches across parts of northeast Iowa.
The snow is expected to develop Wednesday evening and continue overnight into early Thursday morning, potentially impacting travel along I-90 near La Crosse, US-52 near Decorah, and US-20 and US-63 in northeast Iowa. However, there is also a 20 to 30 percent chance that the snow band may fail to fully develop, resulting in minimal impacts.
Because the heaviest snow would fall in a narrow corridor, snowfall amounts could vary dramatically over short distances. Travelers with plans Wednesday night into Thursday morning should closely monitor forecast updates as details become clearer.
Drivers are encouraged to stay weather-aware and prepare for rapidly changing road conditions if the heavier snow band materializes.
