Minnesota and Wisconsin – Hazardous travel conditions are expected to develop across southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin Sunday afternoon and continue into Monday morning as a potent winter storm moves through the region.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, Winter Storm Warnings are in effect beginning Sunday afternoon and lasting through Monday morning for multiple counties in southeast Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and northeast Iowa.
In Minnesota, Wabasha and Winona counties are under a Winter Storm Warning from noon Sunday to 9 a.m. CST Monday, with heavy snowfall totals of 7 to 10 inches expected. Gusty northwest winds reaching 45 mph may cause blowing and drifting snow, further reducing visibility.
Additional Winter Storm Warnings are in effect from 3 p.m. Sunday to noon CST Monday for a broader area including Houston County in Minnesota, Allamakee County in Iowa, and much of central and western Wisconsin, including La Crosse, Monroe, Jackson, Trempealeau, Vernon, Crawford, Juneau, and Adams counties. Snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches are forecast in these areas.
Forecasters say rain will quickly change to snow from west to east during the afternoon, with snowfall rates potentially exceeding 1 inch per hour during the evening. Rapidly falling temperatures are expected to freeze standing water and untreated roads, increasing the risk of slick and icy travel conditions.
The National Weather Service warns that travel may become hazardous to treacherous, particularly during the Monday morning commute. Residents are encouraged to alter or delay travel plans if possible.
Road conditions can be monitored at 511mn.org in Minnesota and 511wi.gov in Wisconsin.
