Winter Weather — Winona, Minnesota

2016-02-01 · Winona, Minnesota

Event narrative

Two people were killed and another injured in a two car accident on U.S. Highway 61 south of La Moille. Snowmelt from the previous day likely froze on a cold section of highway that is shaded by trees and bluffs. Two other accidents, with non-life threatening injuries, also occurred on another section of U.S. Highway 61.

Wider weather episode

Two people were killed and another injured in a two car accident on U.S. Highway 61 south of La Moille (Winona County). Temperatures the day before the accident warmed above freezing allowing some snowmelt to occur and this moisture then likely formed icy spots when temperatures dropped into the 20s. The section of road where the accident occurred has trees and bluffs that create cold spots and icy pockets and is known as one of the most hazardous sections of roads in Winona County. Two other accidents, with non-life threatening injuries, also occurred on icy spots on U.S. Highway 61.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 615978. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.