ALERT DAY: First Major Winter Storm of the Season Today & Tonight

Tracking the Storm

A strong low-pressure system is currently exiting the eastern Rocky Mountains.  This low will move east-northeast and bring severe weather and winter weather to many today and early this weekend.

Low Spawning Snow Today

As this strong low-pressure system nears our area, it will spawn lots of heavy snow bands on the north side of the low across our area today and tonight.  To the south, this system will bring rain and thunderstorms.

Today’s Planner: Snow Likely this Afternoon & Evening. High Temperature 36F. Winds, NE 10-20 MPH

Conditions will start off as cloudy this morning with temperatures in the 20s.  Cloudy skies will carry into the early afternoon with temperatures in the 30s.  By late this afternoon into this evening, heavy snow will move into the area.  Some of the snow could mix with other wintry precipitation for areas further south.  Blowing and drifting snow is also possible.

Winter Weather Alerts

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for most of our area, starting at 3pm today until noon Saturday.  A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the extreme southern areas.  Travel impacts are likely and will affect the afternoon and evening commutes today, especially after 4pm this afternoon.

Moderate to Heavy Snowfall Accumulations Likely

Most of our area will see between 4-7in of snow including La Crosse.  The higher totals will be focused to the north near Eau Claire, but lowers totals confined to the south.

Next 8 Days

Snow could still linger into early tomorrow morning, but then clear out the rest of the day.  Mostly sunny skies for Sunday with highs warmer in the 40s.  Next week looks mainly cloudy with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s and 30s.

Meteorologist Derek Sibley