Minneapolis, MN – Holiday travelers across the Upper Midwest could face dangerous road conditions as a winter storm barrels through the region this weekend, with snowfall totals exceeding six inches in parts of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan by Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service, confidence is growing in a strong winter system developing Friday night across the northern Rockies. Snow will then sweep through the Central Plains and intensify over the Upper Midwest from Saturday into early Sunday, creating widespread impacts during peak post-Thanksgiving travel.
Heavy snow is expected to be the primary threat, with over a 50% chance of 6+ inches blanketing a large swath from Des Moines and Madison to Green Bay, Marquette, and parts of central Michigan. Cities like Minneapolis, Rockford, and Milwaukee are also in the storm’s path. Wind gusts could reduce visibility and compound travel difficulties on major interstates including I-35, I-80, and I-94.
Those planning Black Friday shopping or heading home after the holiday should monitor conditions closely. Officials urge travelers to consider shifting plans and avoid non-essential travel late Saturday into Sunday.
Snowfall should taper off by Sunday evening, but additional advisories may be issued depending on the storm’s final track.
