Duluth, MN – A major, multi-state blizzard is bearing down on the Upper Midwest, threatening to paralyze Thanksgiving week travel from the eastern Dakotas through northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
According to the National Weather Service, Blizzard Warnings are now in effect across parts of South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, where snow totals could exceed 30 inches in some areas and winds may gust as high as 55 mph.
The system began Tuesday across the eastern Dakotas, where places like Aberdeen, Britton, and Sisseton, SD, reported near-zero visibility and gusts topping 50 mph. The storm will expand east overnight, with blizzard conditions developing across northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan by Wednesday morning.
In Wisconsin, forecasters expect 10 to 30 inches of snow in Ashland, Iron, Douglas, and Bayfield counties, including Madeline Island and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Winds up to 45 mph will create dangerous whiteouts along Highway 2 and U.S. 53.
Across the border in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the heaviest snow and strongest winds are expected in Keweenaw, Marquette, Alger, and Gogebic counties, where snow totals may top 30 inches and gusts could reach 55 mph. The National Weather Service in Marquette warns that travel could become “impossible” at times through Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, South Dakota and western Minnesota saw blizzard warnings early Tuesday, with 4 to 7 inches of snow and fierce winds already disrupting roads near Aberdeen, Webster, and Ortonville. Authorities there are urging drivers to shelter in place and avoid travel until conditions improve.
Officials across all affected states urge residents to prepare emergency kits, monitor 511 road updates, and avoid travel during peak storm hours. Power outages are possible as winds combine with heavy, wet snow to damage trees and lines.
The powerful storm system will linger through Thursday, gradually weakening by Friday as frigid Arctic air sweeps into the region.
Are you in the blizzard zone? How is the snow impacting travel where you are? Share your updates below.
