UPDATE: A powerful winter storm is wreaking havoc across the Midwest and Great Lakes region, causing significant travel disruptions on this busy post-Thanksgiving weekend. Heavy snowfall and hazardous road conditions have delayed thousands of travelers, with major airports in Chicago and St. Louis reporting delays of around one hour early Saturday morning.
Meteorologists warn that this storm, which began on December 2, 2023, may be just the beginning. Another winter storm is predicted to sweep through the Northeast early next week, potentially extending travel woes for millions of Americans returning home after the holiday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings stretching from Montana to Ohio. Some areas are expected to receive more than 8 inches of snow by the end of Saturday. In Indiana, at least 45 vehicles were involved in crashes on westbound Interstate 70 near Terre Haute, resulting in highway closures, although fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
Northern Iowa has already seen over 8 inches of snow, and similar accumulations are forecasted for Chicago, parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. Forecasters are particularly concerned about snowfall rates exceeding one inch per hour in some regions, creating treacherous conditions for both air and ground travel.
The storm’s impact is not confined to the Midwest; it is also expected to bring thunderstorms and heavy rain from southern Missouri down to Louisiana and Texas. In Chicago, wind-driven icicles have formed on piers as Lake Michigan churns with whitecaps, while motorists must navigate snow-covered, slushy roads throughout the affected areas.
While conditions have not yet reached blizzard warning standards, officials are urging caution. Sheriff Del Garcia of Grant County, Indiana, advised residents to “stay home, have a nice cup of hot chocolate, watch some TV, play some games,” emphasizing the importance of safety during this storm.
AccuWeather meteorologist Alyssa Glenny noted the regions facing the most significant disruptions. She highlighted areas including Des Moines, IA; Chicago, IL; Green Bay, WI; Milwaukee, WI; and Grand Rapids, MI as particularly vulnerable to heavy snowfall this weekend.
Looking ahead, meteorologists are closely monitoring a separate storm system that will move from the South-Central U.S. northeastward into the Northeast. This storm is projected to produce additional snow from Kansas and Nebraska through the Ohio Valley and into New England.
Travelers are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts as the current storm progresses and prepare for possible delays and hazardous conditions throughout the weekend. Airport delays are likely to persist, and road conditions remain dangerous across the affected Midwest areas.
Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
