A significant winter storm is on the way, and it’s likely to bring some of the heaviest snowfall of the season to the central U.S. and the Rocky Mountains. Millions of travelers, returning home from the Thanksgiving holiday, could see their plans disrupted starting this Black Friday.
The FOX Prediction Center suggests that a weakening jet stream combined with arctic air will form a low-pressure system in the central Rockies and Plains region by week’s end. Snow is expected to start on Friday, continuing into early Saturday.
Higher elevations in the Rockies may see several inches of snow, while Denver is predicted to get about 1 to 3 inches, which would break its long stretch of over 220 days without significant snow.
The storm is anticipated to move into the plains and gain strength by Saturday.
In the Midwest, areas like Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and Illinois may experience 5 to 8 inches of snowfall. Cities such as Des Moines, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Madison are expected to feel the impact.
By the week’s end, Chicago could see snowfall ranging from 8 to 12 inches. Notably, snowfall totals are likely to rise closer to the Great Lakes region, highlighting potential for even more substantial snow accumulations.
According to forecasts, if predictions for Chicago hold, the end of November could witness the heaviest snowfall in the city’s recorded history.
This winter weather could lead to complications at major airports, including O’Hare and Midway in Chicago, as well as Milwaukee Mitchell and Detroit Metropolitan Airports, coinciding with many individuals’ return from Thanksgiving vacations.
Looking ahead, the storm is expected to continue affecting travel through Monday, and gusty winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms could impact more southern areas. Regions like Dallas, Nashville, and Little Rock, already facing flood concerns, may receive heavy rain as the storm progresses.
A Level 1 flash flood risk is currently in effect for much of eastern Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana through Saturday, with widespread rainfall of 1 to 2 inches likely leading into Sunday.
The Northeast and New England can expect snowfall starting Saturday and continuing through Monday.
Thanksgiving storm makes Great Lakes travel dangerous
The season’s most significant lake-effect snow event is expected to affect the Great Lakes Snow Belt, potentially dumping several feet of snow right into Black Friday. This could lead to hazardous travel conditions on major interstates during the holiday period.
A blizzard warning is still active for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula until Friday. As for the storm following Thanksgiving, predictions vary on which regions will see the most snowfall, but more clarity is expected as the holiday approaches.
