Major Snowstorm Disrupts Midwest Travel; More Weather Threats Ahead

UPDATE: A major winter storm is currently battering the Midwest and Great Lakes region, causing significant travel disruptions this post-Thanksgiving weekend. Heavy snowfall and perilous road conditions have emerged, affecting millions of travelers attempting to return home after the holiday.

This storm, which began on Saturday, November 25, 2023, has already led to severe delays at major airports, including Chicago O’Hare and St. Louis Lambert, reporting delays of around one hour early this morning. Meteorologists warn that another winter storm could hit the Northeast early next week, threatening to prolong travel chaos across the country.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings and advisories from Montana to Ohio, with certain areas experiencing over 8 inches of snow by Saturday morning. A series of accidents, including at least 45 vehicles involved in a crash on westbound Interstate 70 near Terre Haute, Indiana, have resulted in highway closures, though no serious injuries were reported.

Regions like Northern Iowa and the greater Chicago area are expected to see similar snow accumulations, with snowfall rates potentially exceeding one inch per hour. This poses a serious threat to both ground and air travel, as hazardous conditions persist throughout the affected areas.

Beyond the Midwest, this weather system is anticipated to generate thunderstorms and heavy rain stretching from southern Missouri to Texas and Louisiana. As winds whip across Lake Michigan, creating dangerous conditions, officials advise motorists to proceed with extreme caution on snow-covered and slushy roads.

Currently, conditions do not meet blizzard warning criteria, which require sustained winds of at least 35 mph, visibility under a quarter mile, and duration exceeding three hours. However, conditions remain precarious for travelers.

Sheriff Del Garcia of Grant County, Indiana, emphasized safety in a statement to the Associated Press:

“Stay home, have a nice cup of hot chocolate, watch some TV, play some games.”

This sentiment resonates as many families look to stay safe during the storm.

AccuWeather meteorologist Alyssa Glenny outlined areas most at risk: “The corridor to face the most notable disruptions includes those within the six-to-12-inch snow bands, including Des Moines, IA; Chicago, IL; Green Bay, WI; Milwaukee, WI; and Grand Rapids, MI.” These locations are projected to experience the heaviest snowfall, complicating travel through Sunday.

Looking ahead, meteorologists are closely monitoring a separate storm system that is expected to move northeast from the South-Central U.S., impacting the Southeast and Northeast corridors. This storm could produce additional snowfall from Kansas and Nebraska through the Ohio Valley and into New England.

Travelers are urged to stay updated on weather forecasts as this current storm passes and the potential second storm approaches early next week. Hazardous road conditions are likely to persist throughout the weekend, with airport delays continuing as snowfall remains a concern.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and plan accordingly if you’re traveling during this tumultuous weather period.