UPDATE: A powerful winter storm is currently battering the Midwest and Great Lakes region, wreaking havoc on post-Thanksgiving travel as heavy snow and treacherous road conditions persist. This storm hit during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, affecting millions of Americans returning home after the holiday.
As of Saturday morning, major airports in Chicago and St. Louis reported delays averaging around one hour. Meteorologists are warning that another winter storm may bring additional freezing rain and heavy snowfall to the Northeast early next week, potentially prolonging travel disruptions.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings and advisories stretching from Montana to Ohio, with some areas already accumulating over 8 inches of snow. Notably, at least 45 vehicles crashed on westbound Interstate 70 near Terre Haute, Indiana, leading to highway closures, although no serious injuries have been reported.
Northern Iowa has seen more than 8 inches of snow, with similar totals expected in Chicago and surrounding areas in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. Forecasters warn that snowfall rates could exceed one inch per hour in certain locations, creating extremely hazardous conditions for both air and ground travel.
As the storm’s impact continues to unfold, it is not limited to the Midwest. The same weather system is projected to bring thunderstorms and heavy rain from southern Missouri to Louisiana and Texas. In Chicago, wind-driven icicles formed on piers as Lake Michigan churned with whitecaps, and motorists faced snow-covered, slushy roads.
Conditions have yet to meet blizzard warning criteria, which require sustained winds of at least 35 mph, visibility under a quarter mile, and a duration exceeding three hours.
Authorities are urging residents to stay safe. Sheriff Del Garcia of Grant County, Indiana, advised residents in an interview with the Associated Press:
“Stay home, have a nice cup of hot chocolate, watch some TV, play some games.”
AccuWeather meteorologist Alyssa Glenny provided insight into the storm’s trajectory, stating, “The corridor to face the most notable disruptions includes those within the six-to-12-inch snow bands, which encompasses Des Moines, IA; Chicago, IL; Green Bay, WI; Milwaukee, WI; and Grand Rapids, MI. These locations are projected to experience the heaviest snowfall rates and totals from the start of the weekend into part of the day on Sunday, creating dangerously challenging conditions.”
Looking ahead, travelers should closely monitor weather forecasts as the current storm moves through the region, with a potential second storm expected to approach the Northeast early next week. Road conditions are likely to remain hazardous throughout the weekend, and airport delays are anticipated to continue as snowfall persists.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing situation unfolds.