Winter Storm Warning Issued for Western Wisconsin: Up to 20 Inches of Snow Expected

Alert Details

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen, MN. The alert is in effect from 10:00 PM CDT Saturday, March 14, through 7:00 AM CDT Monday, March 16.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following counties in western Wisconsin:

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

What You Should Do

Residents are advised that travel could become very difficult to impossible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions, call 5 1 1 or visit 511wi.gov. Additionally, the snow is expected to be wet and very heavy; use caution when shoveling as it may pose a health hazard and lead to infrastructure damage.

Expected Conditions

• Snow Accumulation: Total snow accumulations between 12 and 20 inches are expected. A broad area will likely see 10 to 16 inches, while a narrow swath could receive 15 to 20 inches. Some portions of western Wisconsin could see totals approaching 2 feet.
• Snowfall Rates: Heavy snow will fall Saturday evening and overnight, with rates of up to 2 inches per hour possible.
• Wind and Visibility: Winds will initially blow from the northeast at 20 to 30 mph, shifting to the northwest on Sunday with gusts between 35 and 45 mph. The combination of heavy snow and gusty winds will reduce visibility and create periods of blizzard conditions.
• Commute Impact: Hazardous conditions are expected to significantly impact the Monday morning commute.

Timeline

The Winter Storm Warning begins at 10:00 PM CDT on Saturday, March 14. The heaviest snowfall is expected Saturday night. While snow will diminish on Sunday, increasing winds will create blowing snow hazards throughout the day. The alert is scheduled to expire at 7:00 AM CDT on Monday, March 16.