What already has been a snowy winter in La Crosse added another 5 inches Thursday, but forecasters said only minor amounts are expected in the region for the weekend.

Anyone heading east toward Madison or Chicago, however, should beware: A major storm appeared to be moving up the Mississippi River, which could make for risky travel to those areas Saturday and Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Thursday saw more than its share of slide-ins and crashes in the Coulee Region. A semi-trailer truck accident on Interstate 90 near Bangor, Wis., shut down the eastbound lane for about an hour Thursday afternoon, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol. Injuries were reported, but the State Patrol did not provide information on how serious.

Xcel Energy officials said Thursday they strongly recommend natural gas customers keep their gas meters free of ice and snow to prevent dangerous natural gas pressure buildup in their homes.

Ice and snow on roofs and in trees can melt and drip on the meters, then refreeze, increasing the potential for equipment to malfunction, according to Xcel. To clear, carefully shovel around the meter, then remove snow and ice on the meter itself by hand.

Xcel also recommends appliance vents, often on a home’s roof, be kept clear. Carbon monoxide can develop if venting systems or appliances are not operating properly. Xcel encourages use of carbon monoxide detectors on each floor with sleeping rooms.

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