MARQUETTE, Mich. – A significant lake-effect snow event is battering the Great Lakes Snowbelt, anticipated to deposit several feet of snow through Black Friday. This weather phenomenon is creating perilous travel conditions along major Interstate highways just as holiday travelers embark on their Thanksgiving journeys.
In particular, portions of Interstate 90 south of Erie, Pennsylvania, have faced closures due to a disabled vehicle, with speed restrictions put in place for safety on Thanksgiving morning. Snow measurements near Ironwood, Michigan, have reached nearly 3 feet, with forecasters warning of potentially life-threatening whiteout conditions continuing through Friday.
This storm follows an earlier winter weather system that wreaked havoc across the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, leading to numerous crashes and injuries. In Wisconsin, a tragic accident involving a semi-truck on Interstate 43 resulted in one fatality.
As the snow continues to fall, more than 55,000 customers experienced power outages across Wisconsin, Michigan, and western New York due to sustained wind gusts exceeding 50 mph. With air travel already affected, these conditions could lead to further disruptions.
Lake-effect snow warnings are currently in place across Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and western New York. Parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin are under Blizzard Warnings, having already recorded over a foot of snow. The Upper Peninsula could see snowfall totals in the feet by the end of this event.
Additionally, gale warnings have been issued for Lake Superior, where large waves exceeding 20 feet may cause localized flooding and beach erosion. Travelers are strongly advised to be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and to reconsider non-essential travel during the storm.
In the days following Thanksgiving, meteorologists are closely monitoring another winter storm poised to impact millions across over 40 states as people return from their holiday get-togethers. The Central U.S. is expected to experience severe snowfall and winds, which could significantly affect travel plans, including in major airports.
Chicago may witness 8-12 inches of snow starting Friday, potentially leading to one of the snowiest November two-day totals on record. As individuals begin to return home or venture out for Black Friday shopping, forecasts indicate a storm developing in the Rockies could bring Denver its first snowfall of the season, with expanding rain across the mid-Mississippi Valley into the East Coast by Sunday.
This winter season is demonstrating the powerful impact of severe weather on travel and daily life, highlighting the importance of staying informed and prepared for rapidly changing conditions.