La Crosse, Wisconsin – A potent winter storm is set to create dangerous travel conditions across the La Crosse region and much of southeast Minnesota beginning Sunday, with snow, rapidly falling temperatures, and strong winds combining for near blizzard conditions in open areas.
Light drizzle will move in early Sunday before quickly changing to a wintry mix and then snow from west to east by midday. Snow will overspread the entire region by evening as a sharp cold front drives temperatures down, freezing standing water and untreated roads. According to the National Weather Service La Crosse office, northwest winds will strengthen Sunday afternoon, with gusts up to 45 mph continuing into early Monday.
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning for La Crosse, Monroe, Juneau, Adams, Jackson, Clark, Taylor, and Buffalo counties, along with Houston County in Minnesota. Snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches are expected around La Crosse, Sparta, Tomah, and Black River Falls. Heavier totals of 5 to 8 inches are likely near Winona, Wabasha, Alma, and Trempealeau, while Rochester and Austin could see 3 to 5 inches.
Blowing and drifting snow will sharply reduce visibility, especially in open and rural areas of southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa, where near whiteout conditions are possible at times. According to WisDOT and MnDOT, travel on Highways 14, 16, 33, 35, and Interstate 90 may become treacherous Sunday night, with the Monday morning commute heavily impacted.
Strong winds may also bring down tree branches, creating isolated power outages. Emergency officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, charge devices, and prepare winter survival kits. If travel is unavoidable, check 511mn.org or 511wi.gov for updated road conditions.
