Winter Storm Warnings expand as major winter storm eyes millions with over a foot of snow, travel nightmare
As people begin returning home from their holiday plans, snow could lead to travel issues at major airports like Chicago O'Hare and Midway, Milwaukee Mitchell International and Detroit Metropolitan.
Major winter storm taking shape in the Northern Plains, set to bring major impacts to 40+ states
Winter weather alerts are expanding as a major winter storm begins to bring impacts to the Northern Plains on Friday before shifting into the Midwest were a foot of snow is forecast in some places. Millions of Americans traveling this weekend after Thanksgiving could see their plans wrecked as this storm moves through the country.
A large winter storm that could bring upwards of a foot of snow to parts of the Midwest is beginning to take shape, readying to wreck travel plans for millions of Americans returning home from their Thanksgiving holiday starting on Black Friday.
The storm kicks off in the West, bringing snow to Montana and the Dakotas on Friday morning before shifting further south and east into the Central U.S. toward the latter half of the day.
Snow coverage will only grow as Friday progresses, expanding into Iowa and Nebraska, while continuing to fall in Montana and the Dakotas, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - JANUARY 13: Motorists navigate through blowing snow during a cold windy day on January 13, 2024 in West Des Moines, Iowa.
(Scott Olson)
Friday into Saturday, several inches of snow are expected in higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains, and Denver is likely to see just enough to break a 220+ day streak with no snowfall.
By Saturday, the storm is expected to intensify as it moves into the Plains.
Winter weather alerts are in effect across much of the Northern Plains and part of the Midwest through Sunday.
(FOX Weather)
In the Midwest, this could be a historic November snowstorm for cities like Chicago and Milwaukee, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for major cities like Des Moines, Chicago and the Quad Cities.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 12: People visit the Cloudgate sculpture as a winter storm passes over the city on February 12, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
( Scott Olson / Getty Images)
Both cities could be facing 8-12 inches of snow with potentially over a foot through Sunday morning. By the time the snow ends on Sunday morning, the top snow totals could very well be approaching up to 18 inches.
The closer to the Great Lakes, the more likely it is to see much higher snow totals, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
(FOX Weather)
If the forecast verifies for Chicago, it could be one of the snowiest two-day November snow events in the city’s history, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
Snow could lead to travel issues at major airports like Chicago O'Hare and Midway, Milwaukee Mitchell International and Detroit Metropolitan.
Travel impacts could last through Monday.
NOAA VS. FARMERS' ALMANACS: WHOSE WINTER OUTLOOK WILL BE RIGHT?
(FOX Weather)
Snow from this storm is expected as far south as St. Louis, where 3-5 inches is possible by weekend's end.
SHAWNEE, KANSAS - JANUARY 5: Dense snow fall and wind reduce visibility on January 5, 2025 in Shawnee, Kansas.
(Chase Castor / Getty Images)
To the south, gusty winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms are also possible on the warmer side of this system.
Heavy rain could move through already-drenched areas of the South, in cities like Dallas, Nashville and Little Rock, Arkansas.
(FOX Weather)
A level 1 out of 4 flash flood risk has already been issued across eastern Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana into Saturday as this sprawling storm pushes east. A widespread 1-2" of rain is possible through Sunday.
(FOX Weather)
Snow will push into the Northeast and New England Saturday and last through Monday.