Travel across parts of the US is expected to become “nearly impossible” this weekend as a powerful late-season winter storm brings heavy snow, ice and strong winds to several states, forecasters say. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings across Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota, cautioning residents about hazardous conditions, including power outages and significant travel disruption.
Heavy Snow in Minnesota
Minnesota is expected to see the heaviest snowfall, with several NWS offices warning of prolonged snow through Saturday night into early Sunday.
Accumulations of between 7 and 12 inches are forecast in parts of north-west and west-central areas, with totals of 4 to 12 inches possible more widely across the state. Northern counties are expected to receive between 6 and 9 inches, while central regions could see 4 to 6 inches.
Forecasters say conditions will worsen quickly, with visibility at times dropping below a quarter of a mile. Roads are likely to become snow-covered and slippery, and travel “could be very difficult to impossible”, particularly during periods of heavier snowfall.
Ice Threat in Michigan and Wisconsin
Further east, ice storms are expected to pose the greatest risk across northern Michigan and northern Wisconsin.
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, ice accumulations of up to four-tenths of an inch are forecast in some areas, with strong winds of up to 35mph likely to exacerbate damage. The NWS has warned that “power outages and tree damage are likely”, adding that travel could become “nearly impossible”.
Similar conditions are expected in northern Wisconsin, where freezing rain and sleet may coat roads, trees and power lines. Ice accumulations of up to three-tenths of an inch are forecast, with gusty winds increasing the risk of disruption.
Parts of eastern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin are expected to experience a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain. Ice accumulations of up to a quarter of an inch are possible, alongside several inches of snow.
Conditions in some areas are expected to improve later on Saturday as warnings begin to expire.
Disruption Across Dakota
In North Dakota, snow totals are expected to be lower but still sufficient to cause disruption. Forecasts suggest between 1 and 6 inches of snow, with winds of up to 35mph reducing visibility and making travel “very difficult”.
Neighbouring South Dakota is also under winter storm warnings, with between 1 and 9 inches of snow expected depending on location. Blowing snow and reduced visibility are likely in some areas.
Officials across the region have urged residents to delay travel where possible and to prepare for potential power outages as the storm moves through.
