A powerful winter storm sweeping across the U.S. Midwest and Great Lakes has brought over 8 inches of snow, severely disrupting travel and causing hazardous road conditions. The storm's timing, coinciding with the busy Thanksgiving travel period, has led to significant airport delays and dangerous driving conditions, with snow falling at rates of more than an inch per hour in some areas. The impact on transportation networks and daily life is expected to continue, with more snow and ice predicted in the coming days.
A powerful winter storm sweeping across the U.S. Midwest and Great Lakes has brought over 8 inches of snow, severely disrupting travel and causing hazardous road conditions. The storm's timing, coinciding with the busy Thanksgiving travel period, has led to significant airport delays and dangerous driving conditions, with snow falling at rates of more than an inch per hour in some areas. The impact on transportation networks and daily life is expected to continue, with more snow and ice predicted in the coming days.
A major winter storm swept across the Midwest and Great Lakes over the weekend, bringing significant snowfall and hazardous conditions to a large portion of the United States, affecting many travelers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. By Saturday morning, northern Iowa had already seen more than 8 inches (20 centimeters) of snow, and the storm's impacts were felt as far east as the Great Lakes and parts of the Northeast.
Winter storm warnings and advisories were in effect across a vast region stretching from Montana to Ohio, according to the National Weather Service. In many areas, snow was falling at a rate of more than an inch (2.5 centimeters) per hour, causing widespread disruptions to both road traffic and air travel. Forecasters warned that airport delays and slower traffic were likely to continue throughout the day, as the storm affected major transportation hubs and caused hazardous travel conditions.
As the storm moved east, significant snow accumulations were reported in cities like Chicago, which, along with other areas in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan, saw snowfall totals approaching 8 inches (20 centimeters). The snowstorm created dangerous driving conditions, with snow-covered roads and slushy surfaces making travel slow and treacherous. Motorists were advised to drive with extreme caution, especially in areas with poor visibility due to blowing snow and reduced traction on icy roads.
Airports in major travel hubs such as Chicago and St. Louis reported delays of around one hour in the morning. The storm's timing, coinciding with one of the busiest travel periods after Thanksgiving, only compounded the challenges faced by travelers. In Chicago, the winds caused icicles to form at a slant along the pier, and Lake Michigan's waters became rough with whitecaps, adding to the overall sense of winter's harsh arrival.
In addition to the storm's effects on roads and airports, there were significant incidents on highways as well. On Interstate 70 near Terre Haute, Indiana, westbound lanes were closed after at least 45 vehicles were involved in crashes. The icy conditions made for dangerous driving, and the cleanup effort took several hours. Local authorities worked to assist motorists who had slid off the road, particularly those stuck in the eastbound lanes. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, but the closure underscored the perilous conditions on the roads.
Local officials in Grant County, Indiana, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northeast of Indianapolis, urged residents to stay off the roads entirely, even suggesting that people enjoy the winter weather from the safety of their homes with a warm drink. The sheriff of Grant County encouraged people to "stay home, have a nice cup of hot chocolate, watch some TV, play some games," urging them to stay indoors until conditions improved.
In addition to the disruptions caused by the storm, the winter weather also cast a shadow over some major sports events. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, snowflakes fell as No. 1 Ohio State played 15th-ranked Michigan in their annual football rivalry game, a spectacle that often draws large crowds. Other regional games, including a Big Ten matchup between Northwestern and Illinois, also saw wintry conditions affecting both players and fans alike.
Meteorologists indicated that the conditions associated with this storm did not meet the criteria for a blizzard warning. For a blizzard to be declared, there must be sustained winds of at least 35 mph (56 kph), visibility of less than a quarter mile (400 meters), and these conditions must last for at least three hours. While the storm caused significant snow accumulations and hazardous conditions, it did not reach blizzard criteria.
The same storm system, along with an accompanying cold front, was expected to bring thunderstorms and heavy rain to the southern United States, particularly affecting areas from southern Missouri to Louisiana and Texas. The storm's broad reach meant that a variety of weather impacts were being felt across the country, with some areas experiencing icy conditions while others faced thunderstorms and rain.
Looking ahead, forecasters are already warning of the potential for another winter storm on Monday and Tuesday. This upcoming storm could bring freezing rain and ice to the Appalachian region, as well as moderate to heavy snow in parts of the interior Northeast. These additional winter weather events are expected to further disrupt travel and daily life across affected regions, with more winter storm warnings likely to be issued in the coming days.
As the storm system continues to make its way across the country, travelers and residents are being urged to stay informed and prepared for ongoing weather disruptions. Whether it's delays at airports, hazardous driving conditions, or the possibility of further winter storms, this weather event serves as a reminder of the challenges winter can bring to transportation and daily life across the United States.