Key Takeaways
- A major snowstorm hit the Midwest and Great Lakes, causing travel disruptions and airport delays
- Winter storm warnings and advisories were issued from Montana to Ohio, with snow falling at over an inch per hour in some areas
- The storm dumped over 8 inches of snow in northern Iowa, with similar amounts expected in Chicago, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan
- Airports in Chicago and St. Louis reported delays, and snow-covered roads caused slow travel and accidents in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana
- Another winter storm is expected to hit the Northeast on Monday and Tuesday, bringing freezing rain, ice, and moderate to heavy snow
Introduction to the Snowstorm
A significant snowstorm swept through the Midwest and Great Lakes, bringing winter weather to many areas and causing disruptions to Thanksgiving travel. The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings and advisories from Montana to Ohio, with snow falling at a rate of over an inch per hour in some areas. This led to airport delays and slowed traffic, making travel difficult for many people. The storm dumped over 8 inches of snow on northern Iowa by Saturday morning, with similar amounts expected in Chicago, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan.
Travel Disruptions and Accidents
The snowstorm caused significant travel disruptions, with airports in Chicago and St. Louis reporting delays of around an hour in the morning. According to FlightAware.com, one of the busiest travel days after Thanksgiving got off to a slow start. Snow-covered roads and slow travel were reported across Iowa and northern Illinois and Indiana, with Westbound Interstate 70 near Terre Haute, Indiana, being closed after at least 20 vehicles crashed. Fortunately, no one was injured, but officials estimated that it would take six hours to reopen the highway. Troopers were also helping people in the eastbound lanes who were sliding off the road, and the sheriff of Grant County urged people to stay off the roads and stay safe.
Impact on Daily Life and Events
The snowstorm also had an impact on daily life and events, with snow falling in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where No. 1 Ohio State played 15th-ranked Michigan in their traditional season-ending rivalry game. Heavy snow was expected at other Big Ten games, including nighttime contests at Illinois and Michigan State. Despite the challenging weather conditions, meteorologists said that the forecast conditions did not meet blizzard warning criteria, which require winds of at least 35 mph, visibilities of less than a quarter-mile, and lasting more than three hours. However, the same storm and cold front were expected to bring thunderstorms and a chance of heavy rain to southern Missouri, Louisiana, and Texas.
Future Weather Forecast
Looking ahead, forecasters said that another winter storm was becoming more likely on Monday and Tuesday, with freezing rain and ice expected in the Appalachians and moderate to heavy snow possible in the interior Northeast. This could lead to further travel disruptions and challenges for people in the affected areas. It is essential for individuals to stay informed about the latest weather forecast and to take necessary precautions to stay safe. By staying up to date with the latest weather news and following the advice of local authorities, people can minimize the impact of the winter storm and stay safe during this challenging weather period.
Conclusion and Preparations
In conclusion, the snowstorm that hit the Midwest and Great Lakes caused significant travel disruptions and challenges for many people. With another winter storm expected to hit the Northeast on Monday and Tuesday, it is essential for individuals to be prepared and to take necessary precautions to stay safe. This includes staying informed about the latest weather forecast, following the advice of local authorities, and taking steps to minimize the impact of the winter storm. By working together and taking a proactive approach, we can reduce the risks associated with winter weather and stay safe during this challenging time.
