Thanksgiving Weekend Braces for Winter Storms Across Northern US

Sat Nov 29 2025 18:18:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As temperatures plummet, winter storm warnings are issued for vast northern regions of the United States, threatening heavy snowfall and dangerous conditions for travelers this Thanksgiving weekend.

This Thanksgiving weekend, many travelers in the northern United States are facing winter storm warnings from Montana to New York. Beginning on Friday, heavy snow is anticipated, with some regions expecting up to a foot of snow. Areas such as Iowa and Illinois will likely bear the brunt of the storm, potentially creating hazardous driving conditions. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for significant snowfall and has advised travelers to exercise caution.

Snow and chilly temperatures have already greeted many Thanksgiving travelers, with winter storm warnings now issued across much of the northern United States for the holiday weekend. A significant winter storm is expected to bring snow from Friday evening into Saturday, affecting a wide stretch from Montana to New York.

According to the National Weather Service, areas including Iowa and Illinois are predicted to face the heaviest snowfall, with estimates ranging from six inches up to a foot or more. Much of west-central Illinois could see snowfall beginning Friday night, potentially creating treacherous travel conditions.

While the forecast indicates that the conditions do not yet reach blizzard criteria — including wind speeds of 35 mph, visibility under a quarter mile, and sustained conditions for over three hours — travel disruptions could still arise from the substantial snowfall.

A recent storm already brought significant snow to parts of the northern Plains and Great Lakes regions, and further snowfall accumulations exceeding a foot are expected downwind of areas such as Lake Superior and regions in central New York.

Snow squalls experienced on Friday have also created dangerous driving conditions, characterized by quick bursts of heavy snow and possible whiteout conditions throughout the interior Northeast. The winter storm severity index has warned of particularly hazardous driving situations across eastern Iowa and parts of northwestern Illinois from Friday afternoon until midnight.

Additionally, a blend of rain and snow is predicted across the Pacific Northwest and Rockies, with forecasts indicating that by Saturday, the bulk of the snow in those areas will subside, while conditions persist in the Midwest. Southern regions are anticipated to encounter severe storms, potentially resulting in flash flooding in the western Gulf Coast.

As temperatures remain unseasonably low throughout the Midwest, travel may become increasingly complicated for holiday travelers. The snowy conditions recorded during the Thanksgiving holiday have already resulted in several vehicle crashes, exemplifying the need for caution on the roads this weekend.