Lake-Effect Snow Event Disrupts Thanksgiving Travel Across the Great Lakes Region
The biggest lake-effect snow event of the season is underway, causing significant disruptions to Thanksgiving travel plans across the Great Lakes region. As of now, the highest snow reports are approaching 3 feet around Ironwood, Michigan, with Winter Weather Alerts remaining in effect across parts of far northern Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and western New York. FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne has been reporting live from Sherman, New York, providing the latest updates on the severe weather conditions.
The biggest lake-effect snow event is underway, just in time to snarl travel for people heading to Thanksgiving dinner. The highest snow reports so far are approaching 3 feet around Ironwood, Michigan. Winter Weather Alerts remain across parts of far northern Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and western New York. FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne has the latest conditions from Sherman, New York.
MARQUETTE, Mich., – The biggest lake-effect snow event of the season thus far is pummeling the Great Lakes Snowbelt, and is expected to deliver feet of snow through Black Friday, creating long periods of life-threatening travel conditions across major Interstate highways this Thanksgiving holiday.
Parts of Interstate 90 just south of Erie, Pennsylvania were closed due to a disabled vehicle and speed restrictions were in place on Thanksgiving morning. The highest snow reports so far are approaching 3 feet around Ironwood, Michigan, with whiteout conditions expected through Friday.
Exclusive FOX Weather Storm Tracker Brandon Copic helped rescue some Thanksgiving drivers in Michigan, amid a powerful lake-effect snow event.
Travel Disruptions and Power Outages
That comes after an initial winter storm system created treacherous travel conditions and caused hundreds of crashes and dozens of driving injuries across the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan earlier this week. Outside of Milwaukee, Ozaukee County officials said a semi tractor-trailer lost control and jackknifed across the median on Interstate 43 and hit two oncoming cars, leaving one person dead Wednesday afternoon.
More than 55,000 customers were without power early Thanksgiving morning across Wisconsin, Michigan, and western New York, as consistent wind gusts in excess of 50 mph are expected to delay air travel and cause additional power outages.
This graphic shows live radar of the Great Lakes.
Lake-effect snow warnings are in effect across Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and western New York on Thanksgiving Day. Blizzard Warnings are in effect through Thanksgiving morning across parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin, where over a foot of snow has already fallen.
Winter Weather Alerts.
Forecast and Expected Snowfall
According to the FOX Forecast Center, the Upper Peninsula is expected to receive feet of snow by the time this event winds down, which is expected late Friday. The Great Lakes Snowbelt in Ohio, Pennsylvania, western New York, and New York’s Tug Hill Plateau are also expected to receive feet of lake-effect snow, with the worst of the snow expected to fall on Thanksgiving Day.
Expected snowfall.
Heavy snow and wind gusts in excess of 50 mph are likely and will lead to whiteout driving conditions. National Weather Service offices are advising those who have to travel to prepare for rapidly deteriorating road conditions.
Second Winter Storm Threatens Millions Across 40+ States
Meanwhile, the FOX Forecast Center is tracking a second winter storm that will impact millions across more than 40 states, just as many holiday travelers return home. Even more intense wind gusts and heavy snowfall are forecast for the central U.S. with the potential to cause significant delays at major airports across the Central U.S.
Post-Thanksgiving winter storm.
As millions begin to return home or head out for Black Friday shopping, an area of low pressure will develop in the Rockies, and is expected to bring Denver’s first snow of the season. The storm will move across the Central Plains Friday into Saturday, and is expected to bring 5–8 inches of snow across portions of Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and Illinois, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
Chicago is expected to see 8-12 inches of snow beginning Friday, which could rival its snowiest two-day total in November since records began in 1884, according to the Forecast Center.
Airport Forecast.
For the latest updates on the winter storm and travel conditions, visit Here
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