Winter storm disrupts U.S. holiday travel: Midwest, Northeast face snow, wind threats

"Nearly 10 million people were under winter storm warnings and almost 3 million others were under blizzard warnings Sunday evening from the extreme weather that's already produced frigid temperatures and disrupted holiday season travel. An estimated 7,700-plus flights into or out of the U.S. were delayed Sunday evening, as blizzard and winter storm warnings were in effect across Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin - where officials were urging people against travel if it's possible to do so."

"Threat level: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz "authorized the National Guard to support emergency winter storm operations as we work to alleviate dangerous conditions on the roads," per a statement posted to the governor's social media channels. The NWS' Twin Cities office warned on X parts of Minnesota faced "DANGEROUS, POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING" travel conditions into early Monday from threats including strong winds and heavy snow."

"In Michigan, the NWS' Marquette office said in a forecast discussion that a foot of snow was expected to fall in some places - resulting in "very difficult to impossible travel conditions, with blizzard conditions resulting in near-zero visibility at times." In Iowa, the NWS' Des Moines office said in its forecast discussion that regardless of snowfall amounts, any additional snow the strong winds was likely to produce "blowing snow," making travel hazardous into Monday morning."

Nearly 10 million people were under winter storm warnings and almost 3 million others were under blizzard warnings Sunday evening, and an estimated 7,700-plus flights were delayed. Warnings covered Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, where officials urged people against travel. Minnesota authorized the National Guard to support emergency winter storm operations. The NWS warned of dangerous, potentially life-threatening travel conditions and noted closures of Interstate 35 in Minnesota and Iowa after numerous crashes. Forecasts called for up to a foot of snow, near-zero visibility, blowing snow, and strong to damaging winds up to 70 mph; high wind warnings were issued downwind of Lake Erie and for Jefferson County northeast of Lake Ontario.

Read at Axios