Chicago, IL – Millions across the Midwest and Northeast are facing hazardous travel conditions today as two separate winter storm systems intensify, bringing heavy snow, lake-effect bands, and dangerous snow squalls across a wide stretch of the country.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a significant winter storm is already developing over the northern Rockies and Plains and will quickly push into the Midwest tonight. Snow is expected to expand across Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and into the western Great Lakes by Saturday morning. Forecasters say snowfall rates may exceed 1 inch per hour, with 6–12 inches likely across a broad zone and localized totals over one foot possible.
A second system is creating a separate set of hazards across the Northeast today. According to NWS forecasters, strong west-northwest flow over the Great Lakes will continue producing heavy lake-effect snow, especially downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario, where another 6–12 inches is expected.
The agency also warns that a cold front sweeping across the region will trigger intense snow squalls—brief but dangerous bursts of heavy snow with near-zero visibility. These squalls may cause sudden whiteouts and rapid slickening of roads from western New York through Pennsylvania and into parts of New England.
Both systems are expected to peak late Friday through Saturday morning before gradually weakening from west to east by Sunday.
NWS urges holiday travelers to check local forecasts, prepare for extended delays, and avoid driving during squall warnings.
