A winter storm watch is in effect for portions of southeast Minnesota and central, north-central and west-central Wisconsin as a significant snowstorm approaches the region.
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts heavy snowfall, with total accumulations between 4 and 8 inches, creating difficult travel conditions from Friday night through Saturday evening.
Why It Matters
The approaching storm is expected to bring the heaviest snowfall in the region since mid-December, potentially exceeding 9 inches in some areas, according to WCCO-TV in Minneapolis.
Wind gusts of up to 50 mph could further complicate travel, leading to reduced visibility and blowing-snow hazards. Authorities urge residents to stay informed and prepare for potential delays and hazardous conditions.
What To Know
The winter storm watch, issued by the NWS office in La Crosse, Wisconsin, is set to take effect Thursday at 6 p.m. CST and will last until Saturday at 9 p.m. Areas affected include:
Minnesota: Wabasha, Dodge, Olmsted and Winona counties.
Wisconsin: Taylor, Clark, Buffalo, Trempealeau, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Juneau, and Adams counties.
Forecasts indicate that snow will begin late Friday night, intensifying into Saturday. The snow will be light to medium in density, with temperatures in the low to mid-20s and snow ratios ranging from 16:1 to 20:1. St. Cloud and other parts of central Minnesota may experience the highest totals, making this one of the most significant storms of the season, Minnesota Public Radio reported.
What People Are Saying
The NWS office in La Crosse said on X (formerly Twitter): “Traveling this weekend? Don’t be caught off guard. There will be a stripe of accumulating snow across the region Friday night and Saturday, which currently has a 20-30% chance of being 8″+. Keep up with the latest forecasts as the location may change!”
The office said in another post: “A storm system will bring a swath of accumulating snow to the region SAT. Confidence continues to increase in a band of 4 to 6+ inches of snow. Continue to monitor for forecast updates as the track may shift as we get closer. Now is the time to prepare.”
What’s Next
Following the storm, temperatures will plummet, with highs in the upper single digits and lows near or below zero. Wind chills could drop into dangerous territory, prompting additional safety concerns. Beyond Tuesday, meteorologists are monitoring another potential snow system developing over the central U.S., which could bring further precipitation next week.
Residents are advised to check local forecasts frequently, prepare emergency kits for travel and plan accordingly as conditions evolve. State officials and emergency services remain on high alert as the storm approaches.
This image taken from Windy.com on Thursday shows possible snow forecasts in Wisconsin and Minnesota. This image taken from Windy.com on Thursday shows possible snow forecasts in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Windy.com
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