Major Snowstorm Disrupts Midwest Travel, Threatens Northeast Next

UPDATE: A powerful winter storm is wreaking havoc across the Midwest, causing significant travel disruptions just after the busy Thanksgiving weekend. As of Saturday morning, heavy snowfall has led to dangerous road conditions, with major airports in Chicago and St. Louis reporting delays averaging one hour.

This storm, which is impacting millions of Americans returning home, has prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue winter storm warnings from Montana to Ohio, with some regions expecting over 8 inches of snow. Travelers are urged to stay alert as another storm could bring freezing rain and additional snowfall to the Northeast early next week, complicating travel plans even further.

The storm has already caused chaos on the roads. At least 45 vehicles crashed on westbound Interstate 70 near Terre Haute, Indiana, leading to highway closures, though authorities confirmed no serious injuries. Northern Iowa is experiencing similar conditions, with over 8 inches of snow reported by Saturday morning, and forecasts suggest that areas like Chicago and parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan will continue to receive significant snowfall.

Meteorologists warn that snow accumulation could reach rates exceeding one inch per hour, creating perilous conditions for both air and ground travel. Already, the storm has disrupted travel plans, with conditions on the roads ranging from snow-covered to slushy.

While conditions have not yet met the criteria for a blizzard warning, which requires sustained winds over 35 mph and visibility below a quarter mile, the situation remains serious. As the storm moves, additional impacts may be felt beyond the Midwest, with thunderstorms and heavy rain expected from southern Missouri to Louisiana and Texas.

Local officials are advising residents to remain cautious. Sheriff Del Garcia of Grant County, Indiana, remarked, “Stay home, have a nice cup of hot chocolate, watch some TV, play some games.”

AccuWeather meteorologist Alyssa Glenny emphasized that areas experiencing the heaviest snowfall—namely Des Moines, IA, Chicago, IL, Green Bay, WI, Milwaukee, WI, and Grand Rapids, MI—are facing the most significant disruptions. “This weekend’s storm poses challenges and dangers for travelers,” she warned.

Looking ahead, forecasters are already monitoring a separate storm system moving from the South-Central U.S. northeastward. This upcoming storm is expected to generate a swath of snow stretching from Kansas and Nebraska through the Ohio Valley and into New England, potentially compounding travel difficulties.

Travelers should watch weather forecasts closely as conditions are expected to remain hazardous throughout the weekend. Airport delays are likely to persist as snow continues to fall. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.