by Denver, CO — A massive and fast-developing winter storm is poised to disrupt holiday travel for millions of Americans across 40 states beginning Black Friday, bringing what could be some of the largest snowfall totals of the season to the Rockies, Central U.S., and Upper Midwest.
Storm Develops as Jet Stream Dips and Arctic Air Surges South
Meteorologists at the FOX Forecast Center say the setup for this powerful system begins with a deep dip in the jet stream merging with a wave of arctic air sliding into the northern U.S. This atmospheric collision is expected to generate a strong low-pressure system across the central Rockies and Plains from Friday into early Saturday.
Winter weather will start building Friday morning, with higher elevations of the Rockies likely to collect several inches of snow. In Denver, forecasters expect 1–3 inches by Monday — a milestone that will end the city’s 220+ day streak without measurable snowfall.
Storm Intensifies Over the Plains Through the Weekend
By Saturday, the system is forecast to strengthen considerably as it moves east into the Plains and Midwest, setting the stage for widespread snow and major travel disruptions.
Parts of Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and Illinois are projected to receive 5–8 inches of snow, while major Midwestern cities — including Des Moines, Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago — are preparing for significant accumulations.
In Chicago, the FOX Forecast Center warns of 8–12 inches of snowfall by late weekend. If projections hold, the city could experience one of its snowiest two-day November events on record.
Areas closer to the Great Lakes will likely see even higher totals due to enhanced moisture and strong lake-effect bands that intensify snowfall on the storm’s backside.
Holiday Travelers Face Major Challenges at Key Airports
As Americans begin to return home from Thanksgiving gatherings, this storm threatens to disrupt operations at several of the country’s busiest airport hubs.
Airports likely to experience delays or cancellations include:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport
- Chicago Midway International Airport
- Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport
Experts say travel impacts could extend into Monday, especially for regions affected by prolonged lake-effect snow and lingering low visibility.
The South Braces for Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, and Flooding Risks
While northern states deal with snow, the storm’s warmer southern edge will bring a different kind of hazard. Forecasters predict gusty winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms sweeping through the South, hitting already saturated areas.
Cities such as Dallas, Nashville, and Little Rock could see soaking rainfall through the weekend. A Level 1 out of 4 flash-flood risk has been issued for eastern Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana through Saturday.
A widespread 1–2 inches of rainfall is possible through Sunday, with localized higher totals where storms stall.
Great Lakes Snowbelt Endures Life-Threatening Conditions
Meanwhile, the strongest lake-effect snow event of the season is already underway across the Great Lakes Snowbelt, dropping multiple feet of snow through Black Friday. Officials warn that life-threatening travel conditions may persist along major interstates.
Blizzard Warnings remain in effect across portions of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula through Friday, where whiteout conditions and dangerous wind chills continue.
Snow to Expand Into the Northeast
The post-Thanksgiving storm will send snow into the Northeast and New England from Saturday through Monday, though forecasters say models remain uncertain about the heaviest impact zones. As Thanksgiving approaches, meteorologists expect greater clarity on snowfall totals and timing.
Do you expect travel delays — or are you already seeing early impacts? Share your experiences and predictions in the comments below!
