The Ação holiday of Graças, celebrated on Thursday (27), ended with families reunited, but the return to routine faces a strong winter storm. Uma snowfall advances through the Meio-West and Grandes Lagos, with accumulations of up to 25 centimeters of snow in areas of Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan this Friday (28). The weather system, which intensified after the day of gratitude, has already seen more than 2,000 flights delayed at regional airports.
The forecast indicates that heavy snow began yesterday afternoon and continued throughout the day, affecting highways and airports. Autoridades have issued blizzard warnings for regions close to Grandes Lagos, where strong winds reduce visibility to zero.
- More than 800 flight cancellations at Chicago O’Hare and Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Accumulations of 15 to 30 cm predicted for Saturday (29) in parts of Illinois and Indiana
- Snow removal crews deployed on interstate highways like I-80 and I-94
Blizzard alert in key areas
Serviço Nacional from Meteorologia has extended blizzard warnings to the north of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The storm, which formed over Montanhas Rochosas, gained strength when crossing Planícies Centrais and now reaches Cinturão of Milho with maximum intensity.
In the last few hours, reports indicate that wet and heavy snow makes driving difficult. Um An isolated case of a fatal accident occurred in Minnesota due to the fall of a tree during gusts of wind.
Snow accumulations vary by state
Iowa records the highest initial volumes, with 20 centimeters at Des Moines. The state capital has seen snow accumulate rapidly since Thursday night, forcing the temporary closure of schools and local businesses.
In Minnesota, the region of Minneapolis accumulates 18 centimeters, while the north of the state may exceed 30 centimeters with the effect of lake Superior. Autoridades places recommend avoiding unnecessary trips until Sunday (30).
Wisconsin faces similar conditions, with 6 to 10 inches in the south and center. Madison and Milwaukee operate with hazardous travel warnings, and Departamento of Transportes have activated heavy vehicle restrictions.
Michigan, especially Península Inferior, sees snow driven by Lake Michigan, with forecasts of 12 to 20 centimeters in Detroit. Traffic on I-75 was down 40% due to the conditions.
Impact on air and road traffic
Meio-West airports deal with the highest number of disruptions. Chicago O’Hare, one of the busiest, reports delays averaging three hours and cancellations cascading eastward.
On the roads, the Departamento of Transportes of Illinois and Wisconsin positioned more than 500 snow removal vehicles. Multiple Acidentes occurred on I-35 at Iowa, where snow caused skids.
Temperatures plummet post-holiday
An arctic air mass moves across the central United States, dropping temperatures below freezing across much of the West. Cidades as St. Paul and Green Bay record lows of -8°C on Friday night, with a thermal sensation of -15°C due to the winds.
The cold extends south, reaching Texas on Sunday, where isolated frosts are possible. No northeast, Nova York and Boston face mixed rain with light snow, but without significant accumulations.
Forecasts for the long weekend
The snowfall is expected to weaken on Sunday, but remnants of lake-effect snow will persist in the Grandes Lagos until Monday (1st). Associação Americana of Automóveis estimates that 82 million travelers will face delays, with 5.2 million opting for affected flights.
Airlines offer free rebookings to those who change plans. No south, conditions remain mild, with temperatures above 15°C in Flórida and Texas.
