UPDATE: A severe winter storm is wreaking havoc across the United States, prompting snow emergencies as cars spin out of control during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. With winter storm warnings and advisories in effect from Montana to New York, nearly 42 million Americans are facing dangerous conditions on the roads.
Videos of vehicles losing traction and spinning out have inundated social media, including alarming footage from St. Louis, Missouri, where witnesses report cars “spinning out left and right.” The National Weather Service warns that a massive storm is stretching nearly 1,200 miles across the northern U.S., endangering millions traveling post-Thanksgiving.
As AAA estimates over 81.8 million people will travel 50 miles or more during this holiday period, the storm is intensifying, leading to hazardous travel conditions. Snow squalls are expected to create sudden whiteout conditions, particularly in the interior Northeast, while the NWS has issued urgent travel advisories for eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois from Friday afternoon into the night.
Tragically, the storm has already claimed lives; a 69-year-old man was killed after being struck by a snow-covered tree in Minnesota. The system began its journey in the Pacific Northwest on Thursday night, progressing through the Rockies, and has now reached the northern Plains and Great Lakes.
Every county in Michigan is under either a winter weather advisory or a winter storm warning as the storm is expected to gain strength. The center of the storm is projected to move out of the Plains early Saturday morning and intensify throughout the day as it pushes east across the Midwest. Heavy snow, sleet, and an icy mix are anticipated on Saturday, impacting central New York and parts of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Chicago, a critical air travel hub, could see between 8 to 12 inches of snow, causing potential airport delays nationwide. The heaviest snowfall is forecasted near the Great Lakes, particularly downwind of Lake Superior, where accumulations may exceed a foot.
Meteorologist Andrew Kozak from CBS News emphasized the severe nature of the storm, stating, “While it doesn’t officially meet blizzard criteria, it may feel like a blizzard to millions.”
As the storm continues its eastward movement, authorities urge travelers to stay updated on conditions and avoid unnecessary travel. The situation is developing rapidly, and residents are advised to take precautions as severe weather conditions persist.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as millions navigate treacherous winter weather conditions this weekend.
