Wisconsin – Snow drives sideways across the Mississippi River Valley this morning, erasing tire tracks almost as fast as they form. Gusty winds whip powder across highways, turning routine drives into white-knuckle trips as winter peaks during the final travel push of 2025.
According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for La Crosse and surrounding counties through midday Monday. Heavy snow and blowing snow continue early, with additional accumulations of 1 to 3 inches expected. Northwest winds gust up to 45 mph, producing near-blizzard conditions in open areas.
Visibility drops sharply at times, especially on rural roads and stretches of Highway 53 and Highway 16. Travel is considered hazardous this morning, and conditions may deteriorate quickly in heavier snow bands. Snowfall rates near one inch per hour have already been observed around daybreak.
Temperatures hover near 16 degrees, but wind chills fall below zero. As snow tapers later this morning, strong winds keep drifting snow in play. Even plowed roads can quickly become slick and snow-covered again. If travel is unavoidable, keep headlights on, slow down, and carry winter emergency supplies.
By Monday afternoon, snow ends, but cold air tightens its grip. Monday night drops to around 5 degrees. Tuesday brings another chance for snow later in the day, though lighter, with highs near 29 degrees.
Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve Wednesday, clouds linger with a few snow showers possible. New Year’s Day 2026 turns sunny but bitterly cold, with highs near 11 degrees. Wind chills plunge well below zero as Arctic air settles in for the first days of the new year.
Winter travel remains risky today. How are road conditions where you’re driving this morning?
Five-Day Outlook – La Crosse, WI
Monday: Snow and blowing snow early, high 14
Tuesday: Chance of snow, high 29
Wednesday: Slight snow chance, high 24
Thursday (New Year’s Day 2026): Sunny and cold, high 11
Friday: Mostly sunny, high 17
