Deadly winter storm slows post-Thanksgiving travel in Midwest, Great Lakes
The storm first slammed the Plains with several inches of snow, leading to crashes in Nebraska that killed at least three people.
Ice, snow contributes to deadly crashes on I-80 in Nebraska
North Platte Director of Emergency Management Brandon Myers said the fatal crashes happened during the first heavy snowstorm of the season in Nebraska on a holiday weekend. Nebraska state police have confirmed three deaths from the wreck on I-80 and 14 crashes.
CHICAGO – Sunday is the busiest day of Thanksgiving travel, and it could be stressful for those who are hitting the roads or catching flights in the Midwest and around the Great Lakes as a storm system sweeps through the region, bringing snow and gusty winds.
This comes after the Plains states were slammed with several inches of snow over the holiday weekend, resulting in the deaths of at least three people in central Nebraska.
According to Nebraska State Police (NSP), two people were killed in a crash on Interstate 80 near mile marker 184 on Friday afternoon. A few hours later, NSP said a man was killed in a separate crash on I-80 near mile marker 211.
On Saturday, Wichita, Kansas, broke its daily snowfall record after picking up nearly 8 inches. It was the second-snowiest November day in Wichita since recordkeeping began in 1888.
Topeka, Kansas, also saw its second-snowiest November day since 1887 after picking up 6.3 inches on Saturday.
Watch: Snow blankets Oklahoma town
Snow blanketed Buffalo in northwestern Oklahoma on Saturday as a winter storm moved across part of the state.
In addition to snow, a mix of sleet and freezing rain was reported across the Texas Panhandle and into northwestern Oklahoma and southern Kansas.
Several crashes were reported as a result, and officials had warned drivers to take it slow on the roads and allow for plenty of time to get to final destinations.
WINTER STORM WARNING CRITERIA FOR U.S. REVAMPED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
Travel delays expected in Chicago, Detroit
Snow was falling from Illinois, including Chicago, to Wisconsin and Michigan on Sunday morning, which covered roads and highways across the region, leading to slower drive times.
By Sunday afternoon, snow started to wind down across Illinois and Wisconsin but will continue across Michigan.
The FOX Model showing the timing of the storm exiting the Midwest and plowing through the Northeast. (FOX Weather)
While the snow came down heavy at times on Sunday in Michigan, temperatures were above freezing, which limited snow accumulations.
Generally, the FOX Forecast Center expects an inch or two of snow, with higher amounts across northwestern Michigan.
There, northwesterly winds off Lake Michigan will pick up moisture from the lake, which could lead to lake-enhanced snow totals approaching up to 8 inches in some spots.
The Upper Peninsula could see heavy lake-effect snow on Monday and Monday night off of Lake Superior. Because of this, the National Weather Service issued Winter Storm Warnings that go into effect Sunday evening and last through Tuesday morning.
DOES EVERY PLANE NEED DEICING? THE SAFETY MEASURE WAS NOT ALWAYS STANDARD
Snow accumulations and low visibility will lead to slower drive times, and delays are expected at major airports across the region, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).