La Crosse, Wisconsin – Drivers across the Upper Mississippi River Valley could hit sudden whiteout conditions as early as 6 a.m. Saturday when a narrow band of heavy snow sets up across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, a Winter Weather Advisory runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday for portions of northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin. Snowfall rates may reach 1 to 2 inches per hour within the heaviest band, with total accumulations between 1 and 4 inches. Even a small shift in the storm track could sharply change who sees the highest totals.
Confidence is highest for accumulating snow from the Minnesota-Iowa border through Rochester, Austin and Preston, extending east into La Crosse, Viroqua, Prairie du Chien and Richland Center. Highways including Interstate 90, U.S. 52 and Highway 61 could quickly become snow-covered, especially late morning into the afternoon when rates peak.
Officials urge motorists to slow down and check 511ia.org, 511mn.org or 511wi.gov before traveling. Rapid visibility drops and untreated bridges may lead to spinouts.
Snow should taper toward early Saturday evening, but slick spots may linger beyond 6 p.m. Additional updates are possible if the heavier snow band shifts.
