UPDATE: A powerful winter storm has slammed the Midwest and Great Lakes region, causing significant travel disruptions just after Thanksgiving. As of Saturday morning, December 2, 2023, heavy snowfall and hazardous road conditions have affected millions of travelers returning home.
Airports in Chicago and St. Louis reported delays averaging one hour due to the storm, which is creating chaos during one of the year’s busiest travel weekends. Meteorologists warn that another storm could bring freezing rain and heavy snow to the Northeast early next week, potentially prolonging travel issues.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings and advisories from Montana to Ohio. Some areas, including parts of northern Iowa, have already received over 8 inches of snow. The situation escalated dramatically on Interstate 70 near Terre Haute, Indiana, where at least 45 vehicles crashed, prompting emergency closures, though there were no serious injuries reported.
Conditions remain perilous across major cities. Snowfall rates may exceed one inch per hour in several locations, including Chicago, Milwaukee, and Grand Rapids. Travelers are advised to stay alert, as road conditions are expected to remain treacherous throughout the weekend.
Officials highlight the storm’s widespread impact. Wind-driven icicles have formed on Chicago piers, while motorists contend with snow-covered and slushy roads throughout the region. Although blizzard warnings are not yet in effect, forecasters caution that visibility and sustained winds could reach critical levels soon.
In a statement to the Associated Press, Sheriff Del Garcia of Grant County, Indiana, urged residents to prioritize safety:
“Stay home, have a nice cup of hot chocolate, watch some TV, play some games.”
AccuWeather meteorologist Alyssa Glenny informed Newsweek about the most impacted areas:
“The corridor to face the most notable disruptions includes those within the six-to-12-inch snow bands, such as Des Moines, Chicago, and Green Bay.”
Glenny also highlighted that another storm from the South-Central U.S. could affect the Northeast with significant snowfall next week.
Next Steps: Travelers should stay updated on weather forecasts as the current storm progresses. Hazardous road conditions and ongoing airport delays are anticipated to continue throughout the weekend. The potential for a second storm adds urgency to monitor developments closely.
This winter storm is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by severe weather during peak travel times. With millions on the move, safety remains paramount as conditions evolve.
