A series of winter storms could hit parts of the northern United States this week and bring heavy snow and strong winds, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue winter storm watches for several states.
Why It Matters
Forecasters warn that heavy snow and gusty winds could create dangerous travel conditions in some areas, with the potential for significant disruption as millions prepare to travel for Thanksgiving.
What To Know
There are winter storm watches in place across Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan and New York.
In Michigan, parts of the Upper Peninsula could see 12 inches of snow or more between Tuesday and Thursday, with winds of up to 45 mph.
The NWS warned that in this area, travel could be “very difficult to impossible,” as snow could significantly reduce visibility and winds could bring down tree branches.
In northern Wisconsin, around the Lake Superior shoreline, there could be heavy lake-effect snow, reaching between 6 and 12 inches, and wind gusts as high as 35 mph.
Ashland and Iron counties are expected to see heavy snow, with the latter possibly seeing even more than 12 inches, from Tuesday through Wednesday.
Travel in these areas could also be “very difficult to impossible,” the NWS warned, with roads, bridges and overpasses potentially becoming “slick and hazardous.”
Across northern and central Minnesota, multiple winter storm watches are in effect, with snow possibly reaching up to 9 inches in some places between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Parts of northern and southern North Dakota are likely to see at least 4 inches of snow, along with strong winds, between Monday and Tuesday.
In western and upstate New York, lake-effect snow could reach more than 7 inches in some areas from Wednesday through Friday, with strong winds and possible whiteout conditions potentially making travel dangerous.
In several areas, people are advised to delay travel where possible and to exercise extreme caution if travel is necessary.
What People Are Saying
The National Weather Service said on its website: “Winter Storm Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm event (heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storm, heavy snow and blowing snow or a combination of events.)”
AccuWeather meteorologist Reneé Duff told USA Today: “Those traveling on Thanksgiving Day around the Great Lakes region may have to contend with typical lake-effect snow showers, which can result in reduced visibility and slippery travel.”
What Happens Next
Travelers are advised to keep an eye on weather updates and plan their travel accordingly.
