Winter Storm Warning Triggers Early School Dismissals as Rain Changes to Snow
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect as a system moves in from the west, bringing rain this afternoon that will mix with and change over to snow tonight, prompting early school dismissals and canceled activities.
Winter Storm Warning: Schools and Activities Affected
The Winter Storm Warning forced districts to send students home early and led organizers to cancel planned evening activities. The transition from rain to snow is expected to create slick spots on roadways tonight into Friday morning, complicating commutes and travel plans across the affected area.
Timing, Snow Totals and Travel Impacts
The approaching storm will deliver rain Thursday afternoon before colder air arrives after sunset and changes precipitation to snow. The heaviest accumulations are forecast north of a line stretching from Waterloo to Prairie du Chien, where 2 to 4 inches of snow are possible. Areas south of that line should expect lighter amounts, ranging from a trace to 2 inches. A separate forecast headline warned of up to 6 inches in some scenarios, highlighting uncertainty and the potential for localized variations as temperatures hover near the rain/snow threshold.
Motorists should be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions. Slick spots are likely on untreated surfaces tonight into Friday morning as the transition occurs. Friday will trend windier but drier as the system departs, with clearing conditions but chilly temperatures lingering through the weekend.
With school dismissals already underway and evening events canceled, residents are advised to postpone nonessential travel during the overnight transition and the morning commute, allow extra time if travel is necessary, and monitor local advisories for any updates to accumulation forecasts and timing.
Forecast uncertainty remains elevated due to small temperature differences that can shift snowfall totals by a few inches in either direction. That variability is the main reason officials moved to issue the Winter Storm Warning and adjust schedules preemptively.
