Winter storm hits the Midwest, creating disruption for travel after Thanksgiving

Winter Storm Disrupts Travel Across the Midwest

This weekend, a significant winter storm hit parts of the Midwest and central United States, making travel quite challenging for many returning home after Thanksgiving.

In just 24 hours, over 1,000 flights were canceled at Chicago airports, and it looks like more disruptions may follow throughout the weekend. To make matters worse, flights into O’Hare experienced delays averaging around five hours.

There were reports of major accidents, including a notable pileup involving 45 vehicles that shut down Interstate 70 near Vigo County, Indiana.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning that extends through Sunday, affecting most of the upper Midwest, with areas stretching from South Dakota and Nebraska to Ohio and Indiana.

Officials from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office warned of “severe” snow conditions, as a semi-truck overturned in Putnam County, Indiana.

In Chicago and Milwaukee, snowfall predictions range from 8 to 12 inches, while some northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin areas could receive over a foot of snow by Sunday.

The Iowa State Patrol reported dealing with 182 accidents and providing assistance to 488 drivers as the storm caused hazardous conditions on highways.

Because of deteriorating weather, the Federal Aviation Administration put ground stand orders in place for both Midway and O’Hare airports, stopping flights at key travel centers.

As one meteorologist noted, “Chicago is by far the worst airport in the nation when it comes to travel disruption today.”

Springfield, Illinois, declared a snow emergency lasting until 8 a.m. Central Time on Sunday.

Heavy snowfall was also noted in parts of Iowa, where cities in the central region reported accumulations of 3 to 5 inches on Saturday. By Sunday morning, most of Iowa is expected to have over a foot of snow, according to forecasts.

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s traffic map indicated that major interstates across the state were completely snow-covered, advising travelers to reconsider their driving plans.

Several interstates across Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois were impacted by the snowstorm, with numerous accidents and stalled vehicles occurring in the St. Louis area. The Missouri Department of Transportation noted that three to five inches of snow fell in the St. Louis metropolitan region on Saturday.

Key airports—such as Chicago O’Hare, Midway, Milwaukee Mitchell International, and Minneapolis-St. Paul—are likely to see continued flight delays this weekend. It seems some airlines may experience further disruptions as well.