La Crosse, WI – The National Weather Service in La Crosse has issued a Winter Storm Warning for much of southeast Minnesota, northeast Iowa, and western Wisconsin, where a prolonged period of heavy snow is expected from late Friday night through early Sunday morning.
Snow is forecast to begin around midnight Friday, intensifying through Saturday afternoon and evening. Areas along and south of Interstate 90 are expected to receive 6 to 12 inches of snow, with the heaviest totals in northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin, including Decorah, Prairie du Chien, and Platteville. Snowfall rates may approach one inch per hour during peak periods Saturday afternoon.
Counties including La Crosse, Monroe, Jackson, Vernon, Grant, and Fayette are under the warning, with Clark County expecting 4–6 inches. Winds may gust up to 35 mph Saturday evening, causing blowing snow and near-whiteout conditions west of the Mississippi River.
Travel is expected to become very difficult or impossible at times. Officials urge residents to delay travel, check 511wi.gov in Wisconsin or 511ia.org in Iowa for updated road conditions, and keep flashlights, food, and water in vehicles in case of emergency.
Snow will taper off late Saturday night, but slick roads and reduced visibility could persist into early Sunday morning.
