By Joe EdwardsShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberA forecast map shows which states could see "widespread heavy snow" this weekend as a winter storm is expected to impact the Midwest.
Why It Matters
Forecasters warn that the system could create dangerous travel for multiple areas, including Des Moines, Chicago, and Milwaukee.
What To Know
In a post early Friday, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) said the "significant" winter storm would develop on Friday, bringing with it a "broad area of moderate to heavy snow" from the eastern Plains and through the western Great Lakes area.
Snow will start in the northern Rockies Friday morning and spread quickly east into the Plains by afternoon, it said. Snow will move into the Midwest Friday night and reach the Great Lakes by Saturday morning, according to the agency.
Some areas could see heavy snow at times through Saturday, with snow expected gradually ease from west to east by Sunday morning.
..."Heavy snowfall with rates exceeding [one inch per hour] at times is expected… especially on Saturday. This will cause significant accumulations of six to 12 inches in a broad swath from the northern Plains, through the Midwest, and into the western Great Lakes,” the WPC said. "Locally more than one foot of snow is likely… for parts of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin."
The WPC cautioned that post-Thanksgiving travel would be impacted as heavy snowfall rates combined with gusty winds could limit visibility and lead to snow-covered roadways.
...As of early Friday, winter storm warnings had been issued for swaths of the Midwest, with the National Weather Service (NWS) advising that drivers in some areas should consider delaying travel.
What People Are Saying
The National Weather Service said on X, Thursday: "A significant winter storm is likely to impact portions of the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes beginning Friday through this weekend, which will impact post-Thanksgiving travel."
Meteorologist Noah Bergren said in a post on X, Thursday: "Big time winter storm starts Saturday morning. Large area of heavy snow from northern Illinois through Michigan. A very cold rain for many in the Heartland. Expect tremendous air travel delays late Saturday at Chicago MDW and ORD especially."
The WPC said on X, Friday: "A significant winter storm will bring widespread heavy snow to much of the Midwest through this upcoming weekend. Heavy snowfall accumulating to 6-12"+ will create dangerous travel for many areas, including Des Moines, Chicago, and Milwaukee."
What Happens Next
Regional NWS branches issue local forecast updates regularly on the agency’s website and via its social media channels.
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