Major Snowstorm Disrupts Travel Across Midwest and Great Lakes

UPDATE: A powerful winter storm has slammed the Midwest and Great Lakes region, causing significant travel disruptions just after Thanksgiving. The storm, which began on Saturday morning, has already left millions of Americans grappling with hazardous road conditions and lengthy airport delays.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED: Major airports in Chicago and St. Louis reported delays averaging around one hour due to heavy snowfall and poor visibility. Meteorologists warn that a second winter storm could bring further disruptions, including freezing rain and heavy snow, to the Northeast early next week.

IMPACT: The timing of this storm is particularly concerning as it coincides with one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings and advisories from Montana to Ohio, with some areas expected to accumulate more than 8 inches of snow by Saturday evening.

DETAILS: Conditions have been especially dangerous on the roads. At least 45 vehicles were involved in a crash on westbound Interstate 70 near Terre Haute, Indiana, resulting in temporary highway closures, though authorities reported no serious injuries. Snowfall rates in some regions could exceed one inch per hour, creating treacherous driving conditions across Chicago, Northern Iowa, and parts of Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan.

The storm’s effects extend beyond the Midwest. The same weather system is expected to bring thunderstorms and heavy rain from southern Missouri to Louisiana and Texas. In Chicago, wind-driven icicles formed on piers as Lake Michigan roared with tumultuous waves. Motorists faced challenging driving conditions, with many navigating slushy and snow-covered roads.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: Local officials are urging residents to stay safe.

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

advised Sheriff Del Garcia of Grant County, Indiana. Meteorologist Alyssa Glenny from AccuWeather emphasized,

“The corridor to face the most notable disruptions includes those within the six-to-12-inch snow bands, such as Des Moines, IA; Chicago, IL; Green Bay, WI; and Milwaukee, WI.”

NEXT STEPS: Travelers are advised to keep a close eye on weather forecasts as the current storm progresses and another potential storm approaches the Northeast early next week. Road conditions are likely to remain hazardous throughout the weekend, and airport delays are expected to continue as snowfall persists.

Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops. Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.