Storm Brings Snow to River Valley Region; More Winter Weather in Weekend Forecast
After one of the warmest Decembers on record in the River Valley region, winter weather has finally made its appearance. On Tuesday, the area was hit with its first heavy snowfall of the season, bringing much-needed precipitation and a fresh layer of snow to the landscape.
According to Kevin Skow, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service of La Crosse, the storm unfolded as predicted, with a band of snow stretching from central Iowa through northeast Iowa into southern Wisconsin, measuring between six to twelve inches in some areas.
December had been unusually warm, with record high temperatures recorded on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This sudden shift in weather comes as a relief to residents who were beginning to wonder if winter would ever arrive.
Snowfall measurements varied across the region. Winona Dam 5A recorded 0.7 inches of snow from Monday to Tuesday morning, while the La Crosse area received four inches of snow on Tuesday. The La Crosse Regional Airport and the La Crosse Weather Forecast Office both broke daily records for snowfall, with four inches and 4.8 inches respectively. Additionally, these locations also recorded daily precipitation records, with 0.23 inches at the airport and 0.30 inches at the forecast office.
More snow is expected to fall in the region this week, with around an inch predicted for Wednesday night in the La Crosse area. Further south in the Dubuque area, heavy snowfall of one to three inches is anticipated. However, forecasters are closely monitoring a system that could bring another round of heavy snow on Friday and Saturday. Skow cautions that the storm’s track is still uncertain, making it challenging to determine where the heaviest snowfall might occur.
It is advisable for people, especially those planning to travel, to stay updated with the latest forecast and make necessary preparations for potential snowfall. Skow emphasizes the importance of being prepared and not taking the weather lightly.
As the winter weather settles in, temperatures are expected to drop significantly, with a low of minus 8 degrees Fahrenheit forecasted for Saturday in La Crosse. Bitterly cold temperatures combined with potential heavy snowfall create additional challenges for residents and travelers alike.
The arrival of winter brings mixed feelings for many, with some eager to enjoy snow-related activities while others are preparing for the challenges it presents. Stay tuned for further updates on the winter weather forecast and make sure to stay safe and prepared as Mother Nature unleashes her icy grip on the River Valley region.
