CHICAGO, Illinois – Travel across much of the Midwest could grind to a halt today as a powerful post-Thanksgiving winter storm brings heavy snow, blowing winds, and rapidly deteriorating road conditions from Iowa to Michigan. Snow bands producing 1 inch or more per hour are creating low visibility and fast accumulation on major highways, making even short trips hazardous through tonight.
According to the National Weather Service, heavy snow is spreading across the region this morning and will continue into the evening before easing from west to east on Sunday. The storm is expected to drop widespread totals of 6 to 12 inches, with pockets of more than a foot likely in parts of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Cities along the I-80 and I-94 corridors — including Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Grand Rapids, and Lansing — are seeing the most intense snowfall, with plow crews struggling to keep up as snow rates surge. State transportation agencies are urging drivers to avoid non-essential travel, especially after sunset when visibility may drop sharply. Gusty winds could further reduce visibility and lead to drifting on rural routes.
In Chicago and northern Illinois, commuters should expect slow travel and intermittent road closures as crews work to clear snow-covered lanes. Detroit and western Michigan may see the heaviest totals late today as the storm shifts east.
The storm begins to taper early Sunday, but slick roads and lingering delays are expected into the morning. More updates and additional advisories may be issued as conditions evolve.
