CHICAGO — A major winter storm is forecast to sweep across the Midwest beginning Friday evening, bringing heavy snow, strong winds and dangerous travel conditions to a wide swath of the region through Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Winter Storm Watches are in effect from eastern Montana and the Dakotas through Iowa, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin, and into northern Indiana and northwest Ohio. Meteorologists warn that 6 to 12 inches of snow could fall across parts of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, with locally higher totals possible.
“This will likely be a high-impact storm with widespread travel disruptions,” the Weather Service said in a statement. “The heaviest snowfall rates and strongest winds are expected Saturday into Saturday night.”
- Timing: Snow begins Friday afternoon in the Northern Plains, spreading east across Iowa and Illinois Friday night into Saturday. The storm will taper off from west to east by early Sunday morning.
- Snow Totals:
- Iowa: 6 to 14 inches likely, especially from Des Moines to Waterloo.
- Illinois and Wisconsin: 6 to 10 inches possible, highest north of Interstate 70 and south of Interstate 90.
- South Dakota, Minnesota and Nebraska: 4 to 8 inches, with localized higher amounts.
- Northern Missouri and Indiana: 4 to 8 inches north of Interstate 70.
- Winds: Gusts up to 40 mph could create blowing and drifting snow, leading to whiteout conditions in open areas.
- Ice Potential: A light glaze is possible across parts of southern Iowa, Missouri and eastern Nebraska before precipitation changes to all snow.
The storm threatens to disrupt post-Thanksgiving travel across major Midwest corridors, including Interstates 35, 70, 80, 90 and 94.
Forecasters caution that roads may become slick and snow-covered, with visibility occasionally dropping below a quarter mile during heavier snow bands.
Drivers are urged to delay travel if possible, carry a winter emergency kit and monitor updated forecasts from the National Weather Service.
A significant winter storm will impact much of the Midwest from South Dakota to Illinois, with heavy snow, gusty winds and hazardous travel conditions likely Friday night through Sunday.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for possible disruptions and stay tuned for additional weather updates.
