In brief
Utility crews are working tirelessly to restore power to thousands affected by a severe winter storm that impacted the Great Lakes region. Significant snowfall and icy conditions have led to hazardous travel, including the closure of Des Moines airport. As the region braces for more winter weather, meteorologists warn that northeastern states may see their first major snowfall of the season.
Utility crews worked diligently on Sunday to restore power to thousands of residents in Wisconsin after a severe winter storm blanketed the Great Lakes region with heavy snowfall. The storm caused widespread power outages due to downed lines, with Wisconsin's We Energies reporting over 6,000 outages, primarily affecting Milwaukee.
Des Moines, Iowa's airport was closed on Sunday morning amidst one of the busiest travel days following Thanksgiving, after a Delta flight slid off an icy runway without causing any injuries. The impact of the storm extended across the Midwest, where up to 15 inches of snow fell in areas like Fort Dodge.
With hazardous conditions persisting, many churches in western Michigan advised congregants to stay home or attend services online. Reports from the National Weather Service indicated that gusty winds were causing blowing snow and reduced visibility, complicating travel in parts of Iowa and Illinois.
Meteorologist Andrew Orrison noted that snow in the Great Lakes region was tapering off, but warned of a new storm system heading towards the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast with potential accumulations of up to a foot of snow by Tuesday. This system marks the first significant snowfall of the season, and although major cities might miss out on the heavy accumulation, residents should still prepare for winter weather impacts.
