A major winter storm is poised to disrupt life across the U.S. Midwest and Great Lakes region this weekend, raising serious concerns for road safety and air travel as millions return home from Thanksgiving.
Forecasters are urging caution and preparedness as the first snow of the season threatens to slow holiday travel to a crawl.
Millions Under Winter Storm Watches
Winter Storm Watches are now active in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota — affecting roughly 50 million Americans.
Officials warn that some areas could see heavy snowfall, with totals ranging from six to 12 inches or more, particularly north of Interstate 70 and along or just south of Interstate 90.
Heaviest Snow Expected in Central and Northern Areas
The storm’s heaviest snow is projected across central and northern Illinois, eastern Iowa, southern and eastern Wisconsin, and lower Michigan.
Some spots could see more than eight to ten inches.
Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly, with slick roads, icy bridges, and reduced visibility making driving treacherous, especially on Saturday.
Airports Brace for Delays and Cancellations
Airports in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Grand Rapids are already issuing ground-delay alerts and pre-staging de-icing equipment.
Airlines are proactively adjusting schedules to minimize disruptions ahead of the weekend storm.
For travelers, this means it’s wise to double-check flights and plan for potential cancellations or long delays.
A Broad Impact Zone
While the storm’s core hits the Midwest, accumulations of snow and ice could stretch from central Kansas through the Ohio Valley and Appalachians, potentially reaching the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts.
Southern regions, including the Ozarks in Missouri and Arkansas, as well as the mountains of West Virginia and Virginia, could also see wintry conditions.
Complicated Driving Conditions in Some Areas
Southern Iowa, northern Missouri, and northeast Nebraska may experience a wintry mix or light icing, making roads even more hazardous.
Wind gusts of 25 to 40 mph in parts of the Midwest could create blowing snow and further reduce visibility, adding another layer of danger for drivers.
Storm Progression Across the Region
The system is moving west to east, beginning in the Plains on Friday afternoon and spreading into the Great Lakes by Saturday.
Northern Illinois, northwest Indiana, and the Chicago metro area are all under Winter Storm Watches for at least six inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible.
Northern Indiana and northwest Ohio could face extended snowfall into Sunday.
Localized Forecasts Show Varying Impacts
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Wisconsin: Southwest Wisconsin and the Fox Valley to Green Bay could see six or more inches, with northeast Iowa also in line for heavy snow.
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Michigan: Lake-effect snow along Lake Michigan will add to totals, with Ottawa and Muskegon counties potentially seeing 8–11 inches combined.
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Sioux Falls, Iowa & Minnesota: Six to ten inches expected in northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota.
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Eastern South Dakota: Four to eight inches likely.
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Omaha & Des Moines: A mix of snow and light ice, with gusty winds reducing visibility.
Travel Safety and Emergency Preparedness
The National Weather Service urges travelers to stay informed, allow extra time for journeys, and carry emergency supplies if driving is unavoidable.
Bridges and overpasses are expected to become especially slick, increasing the risk of accidents.
Forecasts could still shift in the coming 24–36 hours, particularly in southern areas near the rain-snow line.
A Chilly East Coast Follows
Meanwhile, the Eastern U.S. will see temperatures drop sharply after Thanksgiving, with readings plunging up to 15 degrees below average.
Freeze warnings are in effect as far south as northern Florida and southern Georgia.
Meteorologists say this cold snap, combined with the storm’s movement into southern Canada, could bring a mix of snow, sleet, and rain to northern Appalachians, parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania, western and northern New York, and northwestern New England late Saturday into Sunday.
A Storm to Remember for Early Winter
Experts warn that this system could be one of the most significant early-season storms in recent years for the Midwest.
With holiday travel still in full swing, residents and commuters are urged to exercise caution, check forecasts, and plan ahead for what could be a challenging weekend on the roads and in the skies.
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