Chicago, IL – A powerful early-season winter storm is sweeping across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes beginning later today, threatening 5 to 25 inches of snow, intense winds, and serious travel disruptions during one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel weeks of the year. The National Weather Service says Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York will all face hazardous conditions as the system strengthens and moves east.
Storm Setup and Widespread Watches
The large-scale system is expected to evolve quickly, bringing rain that transitions into heavy snow across several states. Multiple National Weather Service (NWS) offices have issued Winter Storm Watches covering millions of residents, warning that blowing snow, reduced visibility, and dangerous road conditions may develop through midweek.
A recent NWS briefing noted that this storm “has the potential to disrupt regional travel corridors as holiday traffic increases,” according to information shared by forecasters at the agency’s regional centers.
Minnesota First to Be Impacted
Snow will begin to accumulate in Minnesota from Tuesday into Wednesday. Counties including Stevens, Pope, Stearns, and Benton are forecast to receive 3 to 5 inches, with winds gusting 40–45 mph, creating slippery roads and the potential for blowing snow during both evening and morning commutes.
Forecasters expect a rapid transition from rain to snow as colder air moves in, heightening the risk of sudden travel slowdowns and reduced visibility.
Heavy Snow Swath in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
The storm intensifies as it reaches Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where some of the highest totals of the entire system are expected. The NWS in Marquette warns that:
- Iron and Marquette counties: 8 to 16 inches
- Keweenaw, Ontonagon, Houghton, Baraga, and Gogebic counties: 14 to 25 inches
Powerful 40–50 mph gusts along Lake Superior may produce whiteout conditions, making roads nearly impassable.
“Travel could become extremely difficult in the heaviest bands,” forecasters cautioned in an early Tuesday outlook.
Northern Lower Michigan Also at Risk
In Antrim, Charlevoix, Crawford, Kalkaska, and Otsego counties, forecasters anticipate 5 to 9 inches, with isolated totals surpassing 10 inches. Gusts up to 45 mph may significantly reduce visibility from Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning.
Officials warn that holiday travel may be “hazardous for extended periods” as lake-effect enhancement amplifies snowfall.
Wisconsin Facing Widespread Accumulation
Northern Wisconsin, including Vilas, Oneida, Forest, and Florence counties, is forecast to receive 4 to 12 inches, while portions of Vilas County may see 12 to 18 inches. Strong northwest winds will create considerable blowing and drifting snow, raising the likelihood of travel disruptions late Wednesday into early Thursday.
Lake-Effect Snow Targeting Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York
As the storm system pushes east, lake-effect snow will develop downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario from late Wednesday into the weekend. Cities including Buffalo, Erie, Syracuse, and Oneida County may see 7 inches or more, with embedded bands capable of producing:
- Near-whiteout conditions
- 40–50 mph gusts
- Localized heavy accumulation
- Major Thanksgiving travel delays
“Lake-effect snow will intensify during the coldest periods of the week, especially across typical snowbelt regions,” meteorologists noted in their update.
Why This Storm Is Especially Dangerous
This system arrives at the worst possible time—just as millions of travelers take to roads and airports for Thanksgiving week. Early-season storms can be particularly dangerous because:
- Drivers are not yet accustomed to winter road conditions
- Snowfalls can be wetter and heavier, leading to rapid slush and ice formation
- Strong wind gusts increase the risk of drifting and reduced visibility
- Lake-effect bands can change conditions drastically within minutes
Travelers are urged to plan ahead, monitor local forecasts, and allow extra time for slowing conditions along major corridors such as I-90, I-80, and I-94.
Safety Tips for Holiday Travelers
Authorities recommend travelers in impacted states keep the following winter safety practices in mind:
- Carry a full emergency kit including blankets, water, snacks, and a phone charger
- Reduce speed when visibility drops
- Avoid unnecessary travel during warnings or advisories
- Keep your fuel tank at least half full during winter storms
- Check airline notifications early, as weather-related delays may ripple nationwide
Conclusion
With 5 to 25 inches of snow possible across multiple states, the Upper Midwest–Great Lakes winter storm is set to create hazardous conditions just as holiday travel surges. Residents and travelers are encouraged to stay alert, follow official guidance, and prepare for rapidly changing weather.
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