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Thanksgiving Travel Paralysis: Midwest Buried in Snow
27 Nov
Summary
- Winter storm causes widespread travel chaos across the Upper Midwest.
- Heavy snowfall and powerful winds lead to hundreds of crashes.
- Millions face travel disruptions as a second storm approaches.
A significant winter storm is currently disrupting Thanksgiving travel across the Upper Midwest, creating treacherous conditions. The storm has already dumped heavy snow and generated high winds, resulting in numerous accidents, including over 250 crashes reported in Minnesota alone. Major interstates have been temporarily shut down, and tens of thousands are without power in Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Airports are also experiencing substantial delays and cancellations due to wind.
As the initial system clears, the Great Lakes Snowbelt is preparing for an even more intense bout of lake-effect snow, with forecasts predicting feet of accumulation through Saturday. Areas in northern Wisconsin and Michigan have already seen over a foot of snow. Neighboring regions in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and western New York are also expected to receive substantial snowfall, potentially causing whiteout conditions.
Looking ahead, a second, more widespread winter storm is set to impact over 40 states starting Friday. This system is expected to bring heavy snow to the Central Plains, with Chicago anticipating up to 12 inches, potentially breaking November snowfall records. Major airports in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit are likely to face further significant delays, extending travel disruptions well into the holiday weekend.
