Mon Nov 24 20:20:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
Winter Storms Threaten Thanksgiving Travel Across Northern US
Washington, D.C. – Millions of Americans preparing for Thanksgiving travel face potential disruptions as a series of winter storms are forecast to sweep across the northern United States this week. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm watches for Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York, warning of heavy snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions.
Forecasters predict that the combination of heavy snowfall and gusty winds could create near-impossible travel conditions in some areas, potentially impacting Thanksgiving travel plans.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with potential snow accumulations of 12 inches or more and winds reaching up to 45 mph. The NWS warns that travel in this region could be severely impacted due to reduced visibility and the risk of falling tree branches.
Northern Wisconsin, particularly around the Lake Superior shoreline, faces heavy lake-effect snow, with accumulations of 6 to 12 inches possible and wind gusts up to 35 mph. Ashland and Iron counties are forecast to be particularly hard-hit, with Iron County potentially exceeding 12 inches of snow.
Northern and central Minnesota are under multiple winter storm watches, with potential snowfall reaching up to 9 inches in some areas. Parts of northern and southern North Dakota are expected to receive at least 4 inches of snow, accompanied by strong winds.
Western and upstate New York are also bracing for lake-effect snow, potentially exceeding 7 inches in some areas, with strong winds and possible whiteout conditions posing significant travel hazards.
Authorities are advising individuals in affected areas to delay travel plans if possible and exercise extreme caution if travel is necessary. Motorists are urged to monitor weather updates closely and plan their routes accordingly.
AccuWeather meteorologist Reneé Duff warns that travelers around the Great Lakes region on Thanksgiving Day should be prepared for typical lake-effect snow showers, which can lead to reduced visibility and slippery roads.
The NWS defines a Winter Storm Watch as an alert issued when conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm event, including heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storms, heavy snow with blowing snow, or a combination of these events.
Original text Summary:
A series of winter storms are expected to hit the northern United States this week, prompting the National Weather Service to issue winter storm watches for Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York. The storms are predicted to bring heavy snow and strong winds, potentially creating dangerous travel conditions and disrupting Thanksgiving travel plans. Specific areas within these states are expected to receive varying amounts of snow and face different levels of risk. Travelers are advised to delay travel if possible and exercise extreme caution if travel is necessary, while monitoring weather updates and planning accordingly.
First Piper 