UPDATE: A massive winter storm has triggered a snow emergency across the United States, affecting travel for millions during the Thanksgiving weekend. Winter storm warnings and advisories are now in effect from Montana to New York, with dangerous conditions including snow, sleet, and ice reported across major roadways.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has confirmed that nearly 42 million Americans are facing severe weather conditions due to this storm, stretching nearly 1,200 miles across the northern U.S. Videos flooding social media depict alarming scenes of cars spinning out of control, particularly in St. Louis, Missouri, where eyewitnesses report vehicles “spinning out left and right.”
Travelers are bracing for chaos as the American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that over 81.8 million people will travel 50 miles or more during this holiday period. With many already on the roads, the threat of snow squalls may lead to sudden whiteout conditions, particularly in the interior Northeast.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a severe weather index warning for hazardous travel, especially in eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois from Friday afternoon into the night. Tragically, the pre-holiday weather has already claimed a life in Minnesota, where a 69-year-old man was killed by a snow-covered tree amid strong winds.
The storm began its journey across the Pacific Northwest on Thursday night, moving through the Rockies on Friday morning. As it progresses, heavy snow is expected throughout the day and evening, particularly in Michigan, where every county is under either a winter storm warning or advisory.
Chicago, a major air travel hub, could see between 8 to 12 inches of snow, with the heaviest snowfall predicted downwind of Lake Superior. The NWS forecasts that central New York could also receive up to a foot of snow, while parts of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan are expected to exceed that amount, potentially causing widespread airport delays.
While the storm may not officially meet blizzard criteria, it poses significant dangers to motorists across the Midwest. Thunderstorms and heavy rain may also lead to isolated flash flooding in the western Gulf Coast.
As this developing situation unfolds, travelers are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and to exercise extreme caution if travel is necessary. The storm is expected to intensify as it moves eastward, with significant impacts anticipated throughout the weekend.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent weather situation as it evolves.
