La Crosse, Wisconsin — A potentially historic winter storm could bring extreme snowfall, blizzard conditions, and dangerous travel across the La Crosse region beginning tonight and lasting into Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, snowfall totals across north-central Wisconsin could reach 18 to 30 inches, with locally higher totals possible. Some areas could challenge all-time March snowfall records, the agency said.
Snowfall rates may reach 2 to 4 inches per hour overnight into Sunday morning, and forecasters said thundersnow cannot be ruled out.
Closer to the Interstate 90 corridor, including La Crosse and nearby communities, totals are expected to range from 7 to 15 inches, with isolated higher amounts possible.
The storm will begin as a wintry mix in some areas before changing to snow Sunday afternoon and evening, forecasters said. Ice accumulations of 0.1 to 0.5 inches are possible in parts of the region, including areas near Tomah and Necedah.
Strong winds are expected to intensify the storm’s impacts. North-northwest winds could reach 25 to 35 mph, with gusts between 45 and 55 mph Sunday and Sunday night.
Those winds combined with heavy snowfall may create blizzard conditions, whiteouts, and drifting snow several feet deep, especially in open areas.
The National Weather Service warned that travel may become impossible in some locations, particularly near and north of Interstate 90. Officials are urging residents to avoid non-essential travel and prepare for possible power outages and tree damage.
Peak impacts are expected Sunday through about 6 a.m. Monday, when the heaviest snow and strongest winds overlap.
The storm could significantly affect students, commuters, and early-week travel plans across western Wisconsin and northeast Iowa.
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