Blizzard Warning Issued for West Central Wisconsin: Up to 20 Inches of Snow and 50 MPH Gusts Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN has issued a Blizzard Warning for several counties in West Central Wisconsin. The alert is currently in effect and will remain active until 7:00 AM CDT on Monday, March 16.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following Wisconsin counties:

• Barron
• Rusk
• Chippewa
• Dunn
• Eau Claire
• Pepin
• Pierce
• St. Croix

Expected Conditions

Residents should prepare for extreme winter weather conditions as heavy snow expands into the region. Key meteorological details include:

• Snow Accumulation: Additional snow accumulations between 13 and 20 inches are expected.
• Wind Speeds: Northwest winds will increase significantly, with gusts reaching as high as 50 mph.
• Visibility: Widespread blowing snow and falling snow will significantly reduce visibility, creating blizzard conditions.
• Impacts: Travel is expected to be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions are likely to impact the Monday morning commute, and gusty winds may bring down tree branches.

Timeline

The Blizzard Warning is effective immediately and is set to expire at 7:00 AM CDT on Monday, March 16. While snow may taper off gradually on Sunday afternoon, the combination of blowing snow and high winds will maintain blizzard conditions through Sunday night.

What You Should Do

The National Weather Service advises that travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, ensure you have a winter survival kit in your vehicle. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle. For the latest road conditions in Wisconsin, residents can call 5-1-1 or visit 511wi.gov.