Travel chaos as powerful winter storm threatens flight delays

"A strong winter storm is set to hit parts of the US Midwest and Great Lakes region this weekend, threatening flight delays and road safety for millions after the holiday. Winter Storm Watches are now in effect across Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota, impacting around 50 million Americans. Forecasters warned of potentially heavy snowfall, with accumulations of 6-12 inches or more possible in many areas, especially north of Interstate 70 and along and south of Interstate 90."

"The National Weather Service (NWS) warned travel will likely become very difficult to nearly impossible, particularly on Saturday, as roads, bridges, and overpasses turn slick and hazardous. Airports in Chicago, Milwaukee and Grand Rapids are already issuing ground-delay and de-icing alerts for Thursday night into Friday because crews are pre-positioning equipment and airlines are proactively canceling or delaying flights ahead of the weekend storm. The storm's timing is especially concerning as millions are still returning home from Thanksgiving, likely creating significant disruptions to post-holiday travel."

"NWS offices recommended delaying travel if possible, keeping an emergency kit in vehicles and allowing extra time if travel is unavoidable. Accumulating snow or ice is possible from central Kansas through the Ohio Valley and Appalachians, potentially reaching near the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts. Snow or ice could also affect southern areas, including the Ozarks in Missouri and Arkansas and the mountains of West Virginia and Virginia."

A strong winter storm will impact parts of the US Midwest and Great Lakes this weekend, with Winter Storm Watches in multiple states and about 50 million people affected. Forecasters predict 6-12 inches of snow in many areas, with the heaviest totals across central and northern Illinois, eastern Iowa, southern and eastern Wisconsin, and lower Michigan. Travel is expected to become very difficult to nearly impossible, particularly Saturday, and airports are issuing ground-delay and de-icing alerts with some proactive cancellations. Snow, sleet, and ice may spread from central Kansas through the Ohio Valley to the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts. NWS advises delaying travel, carrying emergency kits, and allowing extra time if travel is necessary.

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