The first winter storms of the season have hit the United States. A mix of snow and freezing temperatures disrupts Thanksgiving plans. These conditions are expected to continue throughout the weekend, impacting travel and outdoor activities.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of this Heavy bands of snow and lake effect snow showers are forecast for the Great Lakes wind direction. This early winter weather has already created dangerous conditions in several regions.

Significant snowfall is forecast across the Great Lakes region

In a bulletin from the Weather Prediction Center (WPC), meteorologists explained the potential for this “Huge and long-lasting” lake-effect snow bands are forming east and southeast of the Great Lakes. These snow bands are expected to result in significant snow accumulations and snow drifts in the most affected areas.

Northern portions of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the Lower Peninsula It is likely that there will be measurable snowfall, but elevation will play a crucial role in determining the amount of snow. There could be more than 70 inches of snow around Watertown, New York.

Travelers should prepare for disruptionsparticularly along Interstate 90 between Cleveland and Buffalo and Interstate 81 north of Syracuse, where treacherous road conditions are expected.

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Dangerously cold wind chills are expected

Adding to the challenges is a surge of arctic air pushes south, This is leading to dangerously low wind chill temperatures across much of the United States. The Weather Prediction Center reports that this is the case Severe cold will spread across the Plains and Midwest and continue throughout the weekend.

During the peak of this arctic eruption Wind chill values ​​could fall below zero across much of the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. In states like North Dakota and Minnesota, wind chills are expected to drop to a bone-chilling -15°F or lower. Some areas of North Dakota could experience extreme low temperatures of -30°F to -40°FThis puts those exposed to the elements at serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite.

Stay informed with real-time alerts

For the latest updates, travel advisories and real-time weather alerts, visit the official National Weather Service website. Prepare for delays, bundle up warm and plan ahead to ensure your safety during this early winter storm system.

Original article by Corina González, translated with assistance from AI and edited by Greg Heilman.

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