A powerful winter storm sweeping across the Upper Midwest is unleashing blizzard conditions that have ground travel to a halt, cut power to tens of thousands of customers, and disrupted air travel at some of the nation’s busiest hubs.

From Minnesota farm towns to the lakefront highways of Wisconsin and Michigan, deepening snow, fierce winds and life-threatening wind chills on December 28 and 29 are forcing road closures and prompting urgent warnings for residents to stay home.

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Blizzard Warnings Blanket the Upper Midwest

Blizzard warnings are in effect across wide swaths of Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan as the winter system deepens over the region and pivots toward the Great Lakes. Meteorologists say the storm is tapping Arctic air and strong upper-level energy, creating a classic setup for whiteout conditions, drifting snow and bitter cold.

Forecasts from the National Weather Service call for general snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches across central and southern Minnesota, with locally higher totals where intense snow bands persist. Similar amounts are expected in parts of northern Iowa, central and western Wisconsin, and the western and central Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Combined with winds gusting 40 to 55 miles per hour in open country, visibility has frequently dropped to near zero on rural highways and exposed interstates.

In many communities, snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour have been reported at times, quickly overwhelming plows and burying vehicles that venture onto secondary roads. Officials emphasize that the blizzard designation is less about extreme snowfall totals and more about the combination of snow and wind that makes travel nearly impossible for several hours or more.

Road Closures, Crashes and Dangerous Wind Chills

Transportation officials in multiple states have closed long stretches of interstate and state highways as conditions deteriorate. Portions of Interstate 35 and Interstate 90 in southern Minnesota, as well as segments of Interstate 29 and key U.S. routes in the Dakotas and Iowa, have been intermittently shut due to whiteouts, jackknifed semis and multi-vehicle crashes. Similar problems are emerging along Interstate 94 and feeder roads in western and central Wisconsin as the storm pivots east.

High winds are not just blowing snow across open fields but also sculpting deep drifts across rural roads, making them impassable even where snowfall has tapered off. Plow operators report that newly cleared lanes are quickly reclaimed by blowing and drifting snow, turning even short trips into extended, hazardous journeys. Law enforcement agencies across the region are pleading with drivers to stay off the roads, citing dozens of slide-offs, spinouts and collisions since the storm began.

Behind the storm’s leading edge, an influx of Arctic air is driving temperatures into the single digits and below zero, with wind chills plunging to 20 to 35 degrees below zero in parts of Minnesota and the eastern Dakotas. Those conditions can lead to frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 to 20 minutes, raising serious concerns for stranded motorists, people experiencing homelessness and anyone who loses power or heat. Emergency managers are urging residents to pack winter survival kits in their vehicles and to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

Power Outages Strain Communities in Subzero Cold

The same winds that are creating blizzard conditions are also knocking out electricity across the Upper Midwest. In Michigan alone, more than 80,000 homes and businesses were reported without power on the morning of December 29, with additional outages scattered across Wisconsin, Minnesota and northern Iowa. Utilities warn that totals could fluctuate throughout the day as crews restore service in some areas while fresh damage appears elsewhere.

Heavy, wind-driven snow and pockets of ice are weighing down power lines and tree limbs, which then fail under the stress. In rural areas, where lines often stretch for miles between farms and small towns, repairs can be time-consuming and logistically difficult while the storm is ongoing. Utility companies have activated mutual aid agreements, bringing in extra crews from neighboring states when conditions allow them to safely work.

The timing of the outages could hardly be worse for residents facing subzero wind chills. Local authorities in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan have opened warming centers in schools, churches and community buildings, asking residents without heat to relocate temporarily rather than attempt to ride out the cold in darkened homes. Hospitals and critical facilities are running on backup generators where necessary, and officials say priority is being given to restoring power to medical centers, nursing homes and emergency services infrastructure.

Flight Disruptions Ripple Nationwide

The blizzard’s impacts extend far beyond snow-covered farm fields and closed interstates. Major airports across the Midwest and Great Lakes are experiencing significant disruptions as the storm sweeps through, creating a cascade of delays and cancellations across the national air network during a busy post-holiday travel window.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport has seen ground stops and periodic halts in arrivals as visibility drops and crosswinds increase, forcing air traffic controllers to slow operations and airlines to trim schedules. At Chicago O’Hare International Airport, one of the country’s primary hubs, dozens of flights have been canceled or delayed as carriers grapple with deicing backlogs, gusty winds and poor visibility on runways and taxiways.

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport, a key hub for Upper Midwest travelers, has also been affected by the storm’s heaviest snow bands, with ground crews working continuously to keep runways open between bursts of intense snowfall and blowing snow. Airlines have issued weather waivers for many affected airports, allowing passengers to rebook without change fees, but stranded travelers still face long lines, crowded terminals and limited rebooking options as the storm impacts cities from the Great Plains to the Northeast.

Communities Respond with Travel Bans and Emergency Measures

As conditions worsen, local and state officials have moved beyond travel advisories to more stringent restrictions in particularly hard-hit areas. Several counties in southern and central Minnesota, along with pockets of northern Iowa and western Wisconsin, have enacted no-travel advisories or outright travel bans on nonessential road use. Violators risk not only fines but also the possibility that emergency responders will be unable to reach them if they become stranded.

Governors and emergency management agencies are closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with transportation departments, utilities and local law enforcement. In some states, National Guard units have been placed on standby or mobilized with high-clearance vehicles and tracked equipment to assist with rescues, deliver supplies and help clear critical routes if needed. Emergency managers emphasize that every unnecessary trip ties up resources that might be needed for life-saving responses.

In smaller towns and rural communities, local public works crews and volunteer firefighters are often the first line of defense. They are patrolling for downed lines, checking on vulnerable residents and supporting ambulance services that must navigate treacherous roads. Community networks, from church groups to neighborhood associations, are helping to identify those who may need extra assistance, including older adults, people with disabilities and families who rely on electric-powered medical equipment.

Travelers Scramble to Reroute and Regroup

For travelers trying to return home after the holidays, the storm has turned what should have been a routine journey into a multi-day ordeal. Passengers at airports in Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis describe lines snaking through concourses as people seek rebooking options, hotel vouchers or simply basic information about when flights might resume. With aircraft and crews out of position and ongoing weather impacts across multiple regions, some travelers have been told they may not find seats until later in the week.

On the ground, motorists who attempted to beat the storm or who were caught by its rapid intensification recount white-knuckle drives along interstates where visibility suddenly dropped to a few feet. Truck drivers report stretches of highway where the only way to stay oriented was to follow the faint glow of taillights ahead, a risky tactic that has contributed to chain-reaction crashes in several locations. Many travelers have abandoned plans and checked into roadside motels to wait for clearer skies and plowed roads.

For rail passengers, heavy snow and blowing drifts across tracks have caused delays and cancellations on some intercity routes, particularly in corridors between Chicago and the Twin Cities and across Wisconsin and Michigan. Transport operators say that while trains handle snow better than cars, they are not immune to the effects of blizzards, particularly when crossings, signals and switches become clogged with ice and snow.

What Residents Should Do as Conditions Worsen

Authorities across the Upper Midwest stress that the most important action residents can take is to stay informed and stay put. That means monitoring local forecasts, checking for updated travel advisories and respecting road closures and travel bans. Officials underscore that a road labeled “impassable” is often more dangerous than it appears from a single snapshot, as drifts can conceal stranded vehicles, ice patches or sudden drop-offs.

For those who must travel, emergency management agencies recommend keeping a full tank of gas, packing blankets, extra hats and gloves, nonperishable food, water, a flashlight, a phone charger and a basic first-aid kit. Letting friends or family know your route and expected arrival time can make it easier for authorities to locate you if something goes wrong. If stranded, experts advise staying with your vehicle, running the engine only periodically to conserve fuel and prevent carbon monoxide buildup, and ensuring that the tailpipe remains clear of snow.

At home, residents are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of extended outages by charging devices, stocking up on batteries, and having alternative heat sources that are safe for indoor use. Fire departments warn against using outdoor grills, generators or camp stoves inside garages or living spaces, as improper ventilation can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Simple steps such as keeping faucets dripping during the coldest hours can help prevent frozen pipes, while checking on neighbors can ensure that no one is left without assistance.

FAQ

Q1. Which areas of the Upper Midwest are seeing the worst blizzard conditions?
Communities in southern and central Minnesota, northern Iowa, western and central Wisconsin, and parts of Michigan are seeing some of the most intense impacts, including whiteout conditions, deep drifts and dangerous wind chills.

Q2. Why are road closures so widespread during this storm?
Roads are being closed because heavy snow and strong winds are combining to reduce visibility to near zero, while drifting quickly covers lanes that have been plowed. Crashes and stranded vehicles then block key routes, making it unsafe to keep them open to the public.

Q3. How much snow is expected from this system?
Many locations across the Upper Midwest are forecast to receive 5 to 10 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts where narrow bands of heavier snow set up. The exact totals vary from county to county, but even moderate accumulations become dangerous when whipped by strong winds.

Q4. What makes the wind chills so hazardous?
The storm is drawing in Arctic air behind its main snow shield, dropping temperatures into the single digits or below zero. When combined with wind gusts of 30 to 50 miles per hour, it can feel 20 to 35 degrees colder, allowing frostbite to develop in minutes on exposed skin.

Q5. How are airports in the region coping with the blizzard?
Airports in cities such as Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis are using continuous deicing operations and snow removal crews, but periods of low visibility, crosswinds and icy surfaces are forcing delays, cancellations and temporary ground stops as safety takes priority.

Q6. What should travelers do if their flight is canceled?
Travelers are advised to contact their airline through mobile apps or customer service lines, rebook on the next available flight and consider alternative routes where possible. Many carriers have issued weather waivers that allow changes without fees, but seat availability may be limited during this busy period.

Q7. How long could power outages last in some communities?
Outage duration will depend on the extent of damage and how quickly crews can safely access affected areas. In heavily impacted rural zones, some customers may face outages lasting more than a day, especially while winds remain strong and additional damage occurs.

Q8. Are schools and businesses closing because of the storm?
Yes. Many school districts across the Upper Midwest have canceled classes or switched to remote learning, while some businesses and government offices have closed or shortened hours to keep employees and customers off hazardous roads.

Q9. When are conditions expected to improve?
Forecasters expect the heaviest snow and strongest winds to gradually shift east toward the Great Lakes and Northeast after December 29, but blowing and drifting snow, slick roads and bitter wind chills could persist into the following day in some areas.

Q10. What is the most important safety advice for residents right now?
The key advice is to avoid unnecessary travel, stay informed through official forecasts and alerts, prepare for potential power outages, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Staying indoors, conserving heat and following local guidance can significantly reduce the risk of injury or becoming stranded.