The Storm Wraps Up: Winter Weather Advisories Expire, But the Arctic Chill Is Just Beginning
After a chaotic and challenging holiday weekend across the northern United States, a collective sigh of relief is finally echoing across the region this Sunday morning. The relentless post-Thanksgiving winter storm that plastered the Midwest and Great Lakes has finally bowed out, allowing Winter Weather Advisories and even some Winter Storm Warnings to expire for the majority of affected communities.
From the northern Rockies all the way through the Great Lakes, millions of people spent the last few days digging out, navigating hazardous roads, and dealing with significant travel disruptions. The system, which spun up over the Dakotas and spread quickly eastward, delivered a harsh reminder that winter is officially here.
Heavy Snowfall and Travel Turmoil
The heaviest snowfall totals were concentrated across the Upper Midwest. In parts of southern Minnesota, communities reported as much as 10 inches of fresh powder. Even the Twin Cities metro area saw impactful snowfall, ranging between two and five inches. Meanwhile, other states, from northern Illinois to southwestern Wisconsin, also endured a messy mix of snow and slippery conditions along and just south of the I-90 corridor.
The storm’s timing was particularly cruel for holiday travelers. Airports across the region struggled to keep up with the weather. The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) alone saw over 400 flights delayed and more than 50 cancellations on Saturday as the storm peaked. On the roadways, conditions were treacherous, unfortunately contributing to a reported fatal crash along the I-43 in Wisconsin.
As the snow finally tapers off from west to east, most of the remaining winter alerts are expiring. Southeastern Minnesota, which saw some of the highest accumulations, was among the last to see its warnings drop this morning. The immediate focus for local authorities and residents now shifts from plowing to preparing for the next punch the season has in store.
Prepare for the Deep Freeze
While the heavy snow has departed, a new and potentially more dangerous element is about to settle in: a massive surge of Arctic air. Forecasters are warning that the relief from the snow will be short-lived as some of the coldest temperatures of the season settle in to finish the weekend and kick off the new week.
Temperatures are expected to plummet dramatically, with high readings struggling to climb out of the teens and low 20s across much of the affected area. Overnight lows will be even more severe, with some areas facing their first sub-zero readings of the season, which is running right on time for this time of year.
Furthermore, this isn’t the end of the wintry activity. A series of smaller, fast-moving weather systems, known as “clipper systems,” are expected to move through the region throughout the week, bringing multiple chances for lighter snow accumulation. While these systems won’t pack the wallop of the recent storm, the combination of new snow and bitterly cold temperatures will keep travel and outdoor activities challenging.
The advice from local officials remains clear: take it slow on the still-slick roads, check on elderly neighbors, and be sure to bundle up, as the true deep freeze is officially upon us.