A lot of snow, rain, and cold weather await travelers for the rest of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, with winter storm warnings posted Friday across the northern part of the country and more snow falling over the Great Lakes region.
Storm warnings and advisories extended from Montana to New York, the National Weather Service reported. Snow was expected to start Friday and last well into the weekend in some areas, with Iowa and Illinois bearing the brunt. Some places in west-central Illinois might see snow accumulations of six inches (15 cm) to a foot (30 cm) Friday night through Saturday night.
Currently, conditions do not meet blizzard warning criteria, meteorologists indicated, which requires winds of at least 35 mph (56 kph), visibility of less than a quarter mile (400 meters), and lasting more than three hours.
A preceding storm has already brought snow to parts of the northern Plains states and the Great Lakes region, with snowfall totals reaching at least a foot expected by the storm's conclusion, especially downwind of Lake Superior in Michigan and also near lakes Erie and Ontario. Central New York state is also set to receive significant snow, potentially up to a foot (30 cm).
Snow squalls are expected Friday, which could bring rapid bursts of heavy snow and dangerous, whiteout conditions across the interior Northeast.
In the Pacific Northwest and Rockies, a combination of snow and rain is predicted for Friday. The snowfall is anticipated to decrease for the Rockies and northern Plains by Saturday but will continue into the Midwest.
To the south, heavier storms are in the forecast which may lead to flash flooding in the western Gulf Coast on Saturday. Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to remain well below average, especially in the Midwest and northeastern United States.
Travelers should remain cautious as the snowy weather may have already caused vehicle crashes in parts of Michigan.
