A powerful snowstorm sweeping through the Midwest and Great Lakes regions has transformed travel plans for many Thanksgiving holiday travelers, leading to winter weather warnings from Montana to Ohio. The National Weather Service has advised of potential airport delays and hazardous road conditions as snow accumulates, with some areas experiencing snowfall rates exceeding an inch per hour.
By Saturday morning, northern Iowa had already received over 8 inches of snow, and major cities such as Chicago, parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan were expected to see similar amounts. As a result, travelers at major airports in Chicago and St. Louis faced delays averaging about an hour, according to FlightAware.com, marking a tough start to one of the year’s busiest travel days.
Conditions in Chicago saw icicles forming on piers due to strong winds, while Lake Michigan’s waters churned with whitecaps. Cautiously navigating the slick conditions, motorists reported slow travel across snowy highways in Iowa and northern Illinois and Indiana. In a significant incident, westbound Interstate 70 near Terre Haute, Indiana, was shut down after a crash involving at least 45 vehicles, though fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
Officials have been urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel. Grant County Sheriff Del Garcia shared a light-hearted reminder for residents: “Stay home, have a nice cup of hot chocolate, watch some TV, play some games,” emphasizing safety during inclement weather.
In addition to snowfall, wintry weather has also impacted college football rivalries, including the traditional matchup between No. 1 Ohio State and 15th ranked Michigan in Ann Arbor. While meteorologists noted that current conditions did not meet the criteria for a blizzard warning, as strong winds and low visibility were not sustained, another winter storm is anticipated to develop early next week.
Forecasters predict the potential for freezing rain and icy conditions in the Appalachian region, coupled with moderate to heavy snow in the interior Northeast. As this wintry weather unfolds, residents are reminded to stay informed and prioritize safety during their travel plans.