Snow and very strong winds will impact the region tonight into Wednesday. The bulk of accumulating snow will fall along and north of I-94. However, strong winds gusting 40 to 50 mph will cause blowing and drifting snow and very poor visibility at times with just the existing snowpack. Localized whiteout conditions will be possible at times, especially in open and unsheltered areas.
Travel will be impacted overnight through Wednesday morning and could become treacherous at times due to wind, blowing and drifting snow, and very poor visibility. Isolated power outages will be possible due to the strong winds, and temperatures will be plummeting -- are you prepared if you'd happen to lose home heating?
Tonight-Wed: Strong Winds, Snow & Blowing Snow
- Wind: Northwest 20 to 30 mph gusting 40 to 50 mph. Widespread blowing and drifting snow. Visibility below 1/4 mile at times.
- Snow: 3-5" north of I-94, 1-3" from I-94 to !-90, less than 1" further south
- Timing: strongest winds, bulk of accumulating snow overnight through Wed morning
- Impacts: very poor visibility, including localized white-out conditions, especially in open, unsheltered areas. Travel will be slippery, even difficult at times especially for high profile vehicles. Isolated power outages possible.
- ACTION: be prepared for travel impacts. Slow down. Anticipate sudden reductions to visibility.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM CST WEDNESDAY
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 1 inch. Winds gusting as high as 45 to 50 mph resulting in blowing and drifting snow. * WHERE...Portions of southwest and west central Wisconsin, northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota. * WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 6 PM CST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road conditions, check 511ia.org in Iowa, 511mn.org in Minnesota, and 511wi.gov in Wisconsin.