La Crosse, Wisconsin – A significant winter storm is expected to impact western Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, bringing accumulating snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, rain tonight will transition to snow from west to east on Sunday, with snowfall becoming moderate to heavy by Sunday afternoon and continuing into early Monday. The highest snowfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are expected north of Interstate 90, including areas around Medford, Black River Falls, and parts of central Wisconsin. Farther south, totals generally range from 2 to 4 inches, including La Crosse, Winona, and Rochester.
Strong northwest winds increasing to 35 to 45 mph are expected to develop Sunday afternoon and persist overnight. These winds, combined with falling snow, will lead to widespread blowing and drifting snow, significantly reducing visibility. The National Weather Service warns that blizzard conditions are possible west of the Mississippi River late Sunday into Monday morning.
Another major concern is a flash freeze. Rapidly falling temperatures Sunday evening, combined with wet roads from earlier rain and melting snow, may cause untreated surfaces to freeze quickly. Travel conditions could deteriorate rapidly, especially after sunset.
The most hazardous period is expected Sunday night through early Monday morning, when snowfall rates, wind speeds, and falling temperatures overlap. Snow is expected to gradually taper from west to east during the day Monday, though travel impacts may linger due to drifting snow.
Officials strongly encourage residents to review and adjust travel plans, avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm, and monitor forecast updates closely, as impacts and snowfall amounts may still shift slightly.
